Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brenham, TX (2023 Update)
- Brenham Solar Installation Cost: $14,330
- 25-Year Savings: $22,844
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brenham
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Brenham.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Brenham generally cost around 2.69. Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Brenham, the average price of going solar will be about $14,330 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Brenham homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Brenham homeowner can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Brenham for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Brenham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,843 |
| 3 years | $-9,869 |
| 5 years | $-6,895 |
| 7 years | $-3,921 |
| 9 years | $-947 |
| 11 years | $2,027 |
| 13 years | $5,001 |
| 15 years | $7,974 |
| 17 years | $10,948 |
| 19 years | $13,922 |
| 21 years | $16,896 |
| 23 years | $19,870 |
| 25 years | $22,844 |
Top Solar Installers in Brenham
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar company in Brenham, we've put together 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
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 Brenham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brenham
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Brenham: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brenham to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Brenham, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $17,567 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,724 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $30,031 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,489 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $43,098 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,858 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $56,768 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $63,828 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Brenham, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brenham?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Brenham?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $977.22 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 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.