Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brownsville, TX (2024 Update)
- Brownsville Solar Installation Cost: $16,449
- 25-Year Savings: $19,688
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brownsville
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Brownsville.
In Brownsville, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Brownsville is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,449 for a solar installation, or $23,522 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Brownsville based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Brownsville can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brownsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,047 |
| 3 years | $-12,244 |
| 5 years | $-9,441 |
| 7 years | $-6,638 |
| 9 years | $-3,835 |
| 11 years | $-1,032 |
| 13 years | $1,771 |
| 15 years | $4,574 |
| 17 years | $7,378 |
| 19 years | $10,181 |
| 21 years | $12,984 |
| 23 years | $15,787 |
| 25 years | $18,590 |
Top Solar Installers in Brownsville
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Brownsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brownsville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Brownsville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 will be looking at 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Brownsville, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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
The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $13,493 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,363 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $23,420 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,664 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $34,093 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $39,710 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $45,513 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $51,502 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: When looking over 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.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Brownsville, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brownsville?
The average cost of solar panels in Brownsville is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Brownsville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Brownsville. However, you may still be able to install 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.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Brownsville is currently $177,971, so you could be looking at a value of about $7,297 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Brownsville is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.