Solar Panel Cost Guide in Center, TX (2023 Update)
- Center Solar Installation Cost: $14,518
- 25-Year Savings: $21,641
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Center
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Center.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Center it's 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Center is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,518 for a solar installation, or $20,761 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Center based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Center see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Center for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,072 |
| 3 years | $-10,179 |
| 5 years | $-7,286 |
| 7 years | $-4,394 |
| 9 years | $-1,501 |
| 11 years | $1,392 |
| 13 years | $4,284 |
| 15 years | $7,177 |
| 17 years | $10,070 |
| 19 years | $12,963 |
| 21 years | $15,855 |
| 23 years | $18,748 |
| 25 years | $21,641 |
Top Solar Installers in Center
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Center, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 (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 Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Center
For many Center homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Center, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,690 per kilowatt in Center. The brand and kind 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 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Center is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $16,389 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $22,154 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $28,069 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $34,134 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $40,351 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $46,718 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $53,235 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $59,903 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Center, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Center, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Center?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Center?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.