Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bee Cave, TX (2024 Update)
- Bee Cave Solar Installation Cost: $17,619
- 25-Year Savings: $21,406
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bee Cave
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Bee Cave.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bee Cave it’s 3 per watt.The average Bee Cave homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,619 with the federal tax credit, or $25,195 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bee Cave find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Bee Cave for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bee Cave
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,233 |
| 3 years | $-13,461 |
| 5 years | $-10,689 |
| 7 years | $-7,916 |
| 9 years | $-5,144 |
| 11 years | $-2,372 |
| 13 years | $400 |
| 15 years | $3,172 |
| 17 years | $5,945 |
| 19 years | $8,717 |
| 21 years | $11,489 |
| 23 years | $14,261 |
| 25 years | $17,034 |
Top Solar Installers in Bee Cave
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Bee Cave, optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Bee Cave
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bee Cave
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Bee Cave: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,330. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bee Cave, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bee Cave to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Bee Cave’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Bee Cave have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $13,745 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,699 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $23,840 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $29,167 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $34,681 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $40,382 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $46,269 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $52,342 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Bee Cave, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Bee Cave, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bee Cave?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bee Cave?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Bee Cave?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.