Solar Panel Cost Guide in College Station, TX (2023 Update)
- College Station Solar Installation Cost: $14,367
- 25-Year Savings: $23,417
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in College Station
We go over average solar pricing in College Station.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in College Station, the average cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $14,367 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average College Station homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large initial cost, the average College Station homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in College Station, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in College Station
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,856 |
| 3 years | $-9,833 |
| 5 years | $-6,810 |
| 7 years | $-3,788 |
| 9 years | $-765 |
| 11 years | $2,258 |
| 13 years | $5,281 |
| 15 years | $8,303 |
| 17 years | $11,326 |
| 19 years | $14,349 |
| 21 years | $17,371 |
| 23 years | $20,394 |
| 25 years | $23,417 |
Top Solar Installers in College Station
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in College Station, 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 College Station
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in College Station
While the average cost of a solar system in College Station is $14,367, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price 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 primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, 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 College Station average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many College Station homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in College Station, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up 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 car 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 | $17,958 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $24,246 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $30,684 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $37,273 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $44,012 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $50,902 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $57,942 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $65,134 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in College Station, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand 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 making your decision.
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 $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 stuff such as the model 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 a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in College Station is currently $212,692, so you can look forward to a value of about $8,720 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in College Station is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in College Station?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.