Solar Panel Cost Guide in Caldwell, TX (2024 Update)
- Caldwell Solar Installation Cost: $17,653
- 25-Year Savings: $21,708
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Caldwell
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Caldwell.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Caldwell it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $17,653 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Caldwell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,355 |
| 3 years | $-13,758 |
| 5 years | $-11,160 |
| 7 years | $-8,563 |
| 9 years | $-5,966 |
| 11 years | $-3,369 |
| 13 years | $-772 |
| 15 years | $1,825 |
| 17 years | $4,422 |
| 19 years | $7,019 |
| 21 years | $9,617 |
| 23 years | $12,214 |
| 25 years | $14,811 |
Top Solar Installers in Caldwell
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are several 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 Caldwell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Caldwell
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Caldwell: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,330 per kilowatt in Caldwell.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space 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 offered by most installers in Caldwell, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Caldwell homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater 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 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 | $13,951 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,974 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $24,184 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $29,581 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $35,163 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $40,933 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $46,888 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $53,030 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Caldwell, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Caldwell?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Caldwell?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.