Solar Panel Cost Guide in Breckenridge, TX (Mar 2023)
- Breckenridge Solar Installation Cost: $13,840
- 25-Year Savings: $20,960
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Breckenridge
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Breckenridge.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Breckenridge, the average cost of solar panels is 2.69 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Breckenridge, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,840, or $19,791 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Breckenridge homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Breckenridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,448 |
| 3 years | $-9,664 |
| 5 years | $-6,880 |
| 7 years | $-4,096 |
| 9 years | $-1,312 |
| 11 years | $1,472 |
| 13 years | $4,256 |
| 15 years | $7,040 |
| 17 years | $9,824 |
| 19 years | $12,608 |
| 21 years | $15,392 |
| 23 years | $18,176 |
| 25 years | $20,960 |
Top Solar Installers in Breckenridge
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Breckenridge, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Breckenridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Breckenridge
There are a number of factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Breckenridge, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Breckenridge's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $16,655 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $22,508 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $28,512 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $34,666 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $40,971 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $47,427 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $54,033 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $60,790 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Breckenridge, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. 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: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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 Breckenridge, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Breckenridge?
The average cost of solar panels in Breckenridge 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Breckenridge?
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 energy 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 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.