Solar Panel Cost Guide in College Station, TX (2024 Update)
- College Station Solar Installation Cost: $17,788
- 25-Year Savings: $23,415
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in College Station
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in College Station.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in College Station, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in College Station, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,788, or $25,437 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in College Station can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in College Station for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in College Station
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,323 |
| 3 years | $-13,392 |
| 5 years | $-10,462 |
| 7 years | $-7,531 |
| 9 years | $-4,601 |
| 11 years | $-1,670 |
| 13 years | $1,260 |
| 15 years | $4,190 |
| 17 years | $7,121 |
| 19 years | $10,051 |
| 21 years | $12,982 |
| 23 years | $15,912 |
| 25 years | $18,843 |
Top Solar Installers in College Station
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 College Station
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in College Station
For many College Station homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in College Station, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in College Station, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many College Station homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can affect how much you pay. College Station’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 promotions 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $15,163 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $20,590 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $26,204 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $32,004 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $37,991 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $44,164 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $50,524 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $57,070 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in College Station, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- 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.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 College Station, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in College Station?
The average cost of solar panels in College Station is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in College Station?
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 give you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 household 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.