Solar Panel Cost Guide in Breckenridge, TX (2023 Update)
- Breckenridge Solar Installation Cost: $13,841
- 25-Year Savings: $20,958
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Breckenridge
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Breckenridge.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Breckenridge typically cost around 2.69. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Breckenridge, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,840, or $19,791 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Breckenridge find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Breckenridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,725 |
| 3 years | $-13,493 |
| 5 years | $-13,261 |
| 7 years | $-13,029 |
| 9 years | $-12,797 |
| 11 years | $-12,565 |
| 13 years | $-12,333 |
| 15 years | $-12,101 |
| 17 years | $-11,869 |
| 19 years | $-11,637 |
| 21 years | $-11,405 |
| 23 years | $-11,173 |
| 25 years | $-10,941 |
Top Solar Installers in Breckenridge
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Breckenridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Breckenridge
There are many criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,690 per kilowatt in Breckenridge. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Breckenridge average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Breckenridge homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Breckenridge's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a 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 | $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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Breckenridge, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Breckenridge?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Breckenridge?
You can't get solar panels for free in Breckenridge. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Breckenridge?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.