Solar Panel Cost Guide in Center, TX (2024 Update)
- Center Solar Installation Cost: $17,972
- 25-Year Savings: $21,641
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Center
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Center.
In Center, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Center is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,972 for a solar installation, or $25,700 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Center can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Center, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,621 |
| 3 years | $-13,918 |
| 5 years | $-11,216 |
| 7 years | $-8,514 |
| 9 years | $-5,812 |
| 11 years | $-3,109 |
| 13 years | $-407 |
| 15 years | $2,295 |
| 17 years | $4,998 |
| 19 years | $7,700 |
| 21 years | $10,402 |
| 23 years | $13,104 |
| 25 years | $15,807 |
Top Solar Installers in Center
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Center
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Center: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge 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 higher efficiency. In a city like Center, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Center, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect the cost. Center’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $13,594 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,498 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $23,589 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,866 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $34,329 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $39,980 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $45,816 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $51,839 | 11.2 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 brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Center, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Center?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Center?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does Center have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Center?
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 amount 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.