Solar Panel Cost Guide in Castroville, TX (2023 Update)
- Castroville Solar Installation Cost: $14,050
- 25-Year Savings: $24,881
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Castroville
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Castroville.
In Castroville, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. Since a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Castroville, the average price of going solar will be about $14,047 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Castroville homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $20,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Castroville find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Castroville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,920 |
| 3 years | $-13,660 |
| 5 years | $-13,401 |
| 7 years | $-13,141 |
| 9 years | $-12,882 |
| 11 years | $-12,622 |
| 13 years | $-12,363 |
| 15 years | $-12,103 |
| 17 years | $-11,844 |
| 19 years | $-11,584 |
| 21 years | $-11,324 |
| 23 years | $-11,065 |
| 25 years | $-10,805 |
Top Solar Installers in Castroville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Castroville, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Castroville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Castroville
Though the average cost of a solar system in Castroville is $14,047, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 about $2,690. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 a small roof 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Castroville offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Castroville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $19,556 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $26,375 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $33,346 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $40,467 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $47,739 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $55,161 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $62,734 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $70,458 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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 Castroville, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Castroville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Castroville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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.