Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buda, TX (2023 Update)
- Buda Solar Installation Cost: $14,219
- 25-Year Savings: $22,026
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buda
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Buda.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Buda generally cost about 2.69. The average Buda homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,217 with the federal tax credit, or $20,330 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Buda depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buda
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,098 |
| 3 years | $-13,857 |
| 5 years | $-13,615 |
| 7 years | $-13,373 |
| 9 years | $-13,132 |
| 11 years | $-12,890 |
| 13 years | $-12,648 |
| 15 years | $-12,407 |
| 17 years | $-12,165 |
| 19 years | $-11,924 |
| 21 years | $-11,682 |
| 23 years | $-11,440 |
| 25 years | $-11,199 |
Top Solar Installers in Buda
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Buda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buda
For many Buda homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Buda, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Buda, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Buda average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Buda, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Buda's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $17,049 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,033 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,168 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $35,453 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $41,889 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $48,476 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $55,213 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $62,101 | 8.8 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. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality 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 Buda, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Buda?
This is a difficult 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. You can expect to pay 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Buda?
Solar panels aren't free in Buda, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $959.95 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.