Solar Panel Cost Guide in Castle Hills, TX (Mar 2023)
- Castle Hills Solar Installation Cost: $14,104
- 25-Year Savings: $23,297
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Castle Hills
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Castle Hills.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Castle Hills, the average cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $14,104 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Castle Hills homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Castle Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,608 |
| 3 years | $-9,616 |
| 5 years | $-6,624 |
| 7 years | $-3,631 |
| 9 years | $-639 |
| 11 years | $2,353 |
| 13 years | $5,345 |
| 15 years | $8,337 |
| 17 years | $11,329 |
| 19 years | $14,321 |
| 21 years | $17,313 |
| 23 years | $20,305 |
| 25 years | $23,297 |
Top Solar Installers in Castle Hills
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Castle Hills:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Castle Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Castle Hills
The cost of installing a solar system in Castle Hills can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,690. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Castle Hills homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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 final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Castle Hills, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $18,197 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $24,564 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $31,082 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $37,750 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $44,569 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $51,539 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $58,659 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $65,930 | 8.5 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. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Although 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.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years 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 adequate aftercare and customer support, 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 (coming 2022)
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 Castle Hills, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Castle Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Castle Hills is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Castle Hills?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 incentives 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 electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $998.24 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.