Solar Panel Cost Guide in Balcones Heights, TX (2023 Update)
- Balcones Heights Solar Installation Cost: $14,104
- 25-Year Savings: $23,297
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Balcones Heights
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Balcones Heights.
In Balcones Heights, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. The average Balcones Heights homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,104 with the federal tax credit, or $20,169 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Balcones Heights homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Balcones Heights find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Balcones Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,608 |
| 3 years | $-9,616 |
| 5 years | $-6,624 |
| 7 years | $-3,631 |
| 9 years | $-639 |
| 11 years | $2,353 |
| 13 years | $5,345 |
| 15 years | $8,337 |
| 17 years | $11,329 |
| 19 years | $14,321 |
| 21 years | $17,313 |
| 23 years | $20,305 |
| 25 years | $23,297 |
Top Solar Installers in Balcones Heights
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Balcones Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Balcones Heights
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Balcones Heights: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,690. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Balcones Heights average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Balcones Heights homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Balcones Heights, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Balcones Heights know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.80 | $11,750 | $18,197 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $24,564 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $31,082 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $37,750 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $44,569 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $51,539 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $58,659 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $65,930 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Balcones Heights, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Balcones Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Balcones Heights is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Balcones Heights?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Balcones Heights?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.