Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brownwood, TX (2024 Update)
- Brownwood Solar Installation Cost: $17,104
- 25-Year Savings: $25,708
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brownwood
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Brownwood.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Brownwood, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Brownwood homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,104 with the federal tax credit, or $24,459 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Brownwood can save around $24,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Brownwood, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brownwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,392 |
| 3 years | $-11,967 |
| 5 years | $-8,542 |
| 7 years | $-5,117 |
| 9 years | $-1,692 |
| 11 years | $1,733 |
| 13 years | $5,158 |
| 15 years | $8,583 |
| 17 years | $12,008 |
| 19 years | $15,433 |
| 21 years | $18,858 |
| 23 years | $22,283 |
| 25 years | $25,708 |
Top Solar Installers in Brownwood
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Brownwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brownwood
While the average cost of a solar system in Brownwood is $17,104, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge 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 get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brownwood to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Brownwood is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $21,138 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $28,557 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $36,162 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $43,954 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $51,932 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $60,097 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $68,448 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $76,986 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Brownwood, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brownwood?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 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 flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Brownwood?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Brownwood. However, you may still be able to afford 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 much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Brownwood, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.