Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bastrop, TX (2023 Update)
- Bastrop Solar Installation Cost: $14,235
- 25-Year Savings: $23,221
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bastrop
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Bastrop.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bastrop, the average cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. The average Bastrop homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,235 with the federal tax credit, or $20,356 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Bastrop for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bastrop
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,737 |
| 3 years | $-9,741 |
| 5 years | $-6,744 |
| 7 years | $-3,748 |
| 9 years | $-751 |
| 11 years | $2,245 |
| 13 years | $5,242 |
| 15 years | $8,238 |
| 17 years | $11,235 |
| 19 years | $14,231 |
| 21 years | $17,228 |
| 23 years | $20,224 |
| 25 years | $23,221 |
Top Solar Installers in Bastrop
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Bastrop
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bastrop
For many Bastrop homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bastrop, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Bastrop, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bastrop to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Bastrop, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $17,981 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $24,276 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $30,722 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $37,318 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $44,065 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $50,963 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $58,011 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $65,210 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
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 Bastrop, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bastrop?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bastrop?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bastrop?
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 utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.