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 September 15, 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. Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $14,518 before the 30% 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 true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Center homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,167 |
| 3 years | $-10,464 |
| 5 years | $-7,762 |
| 7 years | $-5,060 |
| 9 years | $-2,358 |
| 11 years | $345 |
| 13 years | $3,047 |
| 15 years | $5,749 |
| 17 years | $8,452 |
| 19 years | $11,154 |
| 21 years | $13,856 |
| 23 years | $16,558 |
| 25 years | $19,261 |
Top Solar Installers in Center
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you're searching for a solar company in Center, 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 Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Center
The cost of installing a solar system in Center can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,690 per kilowatt in Center. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Center, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually 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 additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability 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.
- Reputation: Long-running 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 quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 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.