Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cinco Ranch, TX (2023 Update)

  • Cinco Ranch Solar Installation Cost: $14,367
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,952
  • Payback Period: 10.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cinco Ranch

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Cinco Ranch.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cinco Ranch, the average cost of solar panels is 2.69 per watt. Since a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Cinco Ranch, the average price of going solar will be about $14,367 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. With average savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cinco Ranch find installing solar panels can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Cinco Ranch that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Cinco Ranch

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,955
3 years $-10,129
5 years $-7,303
7 years $-4,478
9 years $-1,652
11 years $1,173
13 years $3,999
15 years $6,824
17 years $9,650
19 years $12,476
21 years $15,301
23 years $18,127
25 years $20,952

Top Solar Installers in Cinco Ranch

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.

Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Cinco Ranch

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cinco Ranch

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Cinco Ranch: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Cinco Ranch, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Cinco Ranch average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Cinco Ranch have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's wise to factor 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Cinco Ranch is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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 $16,031 10.6 years
8 kW $2.74 $15,365 $21,676 10.4 years
10 kW $2.69 $18,830 $27,471 10.2 years
12 kW $2.64 $22,144 $33,418 10.0 years
14 kW $2.58 $25,308 $39,514 9.8 years
16 kW $2.53 $28,320 $45,762 9.6 years
18 kW $2.47 $31,182 $52,160 9.4 years
20 kW $2.42 $33,894 $58,709 9.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Cinco Ranch, TX Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cinco Ranch?

The average cost of solar panels in Cinco Ranch is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cinco Ranch?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 Cinco Ranch have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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 Cinco Ranch?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.

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