Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cedar Park, TX (2024 Update)
- Cedar Park Solar Installation Cost: $17,584
- 25-Year Savings: $21,734
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cedar Park
We go over average solar pricing in Cedar Park.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cedar Park it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Cedar Park is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,584 for a solar installation, or $25,145 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cedar Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,182 |
| 3 years | $-13,379 |
| 5 years | $-10,576 |
| 7 years | $-7,773 |
| 9 years | $-4,969 |
| 11 years | $-2,166 |
| 13 years | $637 |
| 15 years | $3,440 |
| 17 years | $6,244 |
| 19 years | $9,047 |
| 21 years | $11,850 |
| 23 years | $14,653 |
| 25 years | $17,457 |
Top Solar Installers in Cedar Park
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Cedar Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cedar Park
The cost of installing a solar system in Cedar Park can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Cedar Park, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Cedar Park have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $14,039 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,092 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $24,331 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $29,756 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $35,368 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $41,167 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $47,152 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $53,324 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Cedar Park, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cedar Park?
The average cost of solar panels in Cedar Park is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cedar Park?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.