Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benbrook, TX (2023 Update)
- Benbrook Solar Installation Cost: $14,405
- 25-Year Savings: $22,783
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benbrook
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Benbrook.
In Benbrook, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. The average Benbrook homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,405 with the federal tax credit, or $20,599 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Benbrook homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Benbrook find investing in solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Benbrook
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-12,917 |
3 years | $-9,942 |
5 years | $-6,967 |
7 years | $-3,992 |
9 years | $-1,017 |
11 years | $1,958 |
13 years | $4,933 |
15 years | $7,908 |
17 years | $10,883 |
19 years | $13,858 |
21 years | $16,833 |
23 years | $19,808 |
25 years | $22,783 |
Top Solar Installers in Benbrook
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Benbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benbrook
The cost of installing a solar system in Benbrook can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Benbrook, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Benbrook average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Benbrook's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $17,413 | 10.1 years |
8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,519 | 9.9 years |
10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,775 | 9.7 years |
12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,182 | 9.5 years |
14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,740 | 9.3 years |
16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,448 | 9.1 years |
18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $56,307 | 8.9 years |
20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $63,317 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Benbrook, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Benbrook?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Benbrook?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Benbrook?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Benbrook?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.