Solar Panel Cost Guide in Central Gardens, TX (2023 Update)
- Central Gardens Solar Installation Cost: $13,897
- 25-Year Savings: $21,423
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Central Gardens
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Central Gardens.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Central Gardens typically cost about 2.69. The average Central Gardens homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,897 with the federal tax credit, or $19,873 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average Central Gardens homeowner can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Central Gardens, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Central Gardens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,484 |
| 3 years | $-9,658 |
| 5 years | $-6,833 |
| 7 years | $-4,007 |
| 9 years | $-1,182 |
| 11 years | $1,644 |
| 13 years | $4,470 |
| 15 years | $7,295 |
| 17 years | $10,121 |
| 19 years | $12,946 |
| 21 years | $15,772 |
| 23 years | $18,597 |
| 25 years | $21,423 |
Top Solar Installers in Central Gardens
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Central Gardens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Central Gardens
While the average cost of a solar system in Central Gardens is $13,897, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,690. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Central Gardens, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Most solar installers in Central Gardens have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Central Gardens, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $16,958 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $22,912 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,016 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $35,272 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $41,678 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $48,234 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $54,941 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $61,799 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
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 Central Gardens, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Central Gardens?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. 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. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $956.93 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.