Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cotulla, TX (2024 Update)
- Cotulla Solar Installation Cost: $16,711
- 25-Year Savings: $23,062
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cotulla
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Cotulla.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cotulla generally cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Cotulla is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,711 for a solar installation, or $23,897 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Cotulla based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Cotulla homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Cotulla
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,435 |
| 3 years | $-12,882 |
| 5 years | $-10,329 |
| 7 years | $-7,776 |
| 9 years | $-5,223 |
| 11 years | $-2,671 |
| 13 years | $-118 |
| 15 years | $2,435 |
| 17 years | $4,988 |
| 19 years | $7,541 |
| 21 years | $10,093 |
| 23 years | $12,646 |
| 25 years | $15,199 |
Top Solar Installers in Cotulla
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Cotulla:
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 Cotulla
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cotulla
The cost of installing a solar system in Cotulla can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Cotulla, 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cotulla to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.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 can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Cotulla’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $16,053 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $21,778 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $27,688 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $33,785 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $40,069 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $46,539 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $53,195 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $60,038 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Cotulla, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cotulla?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cotulla?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 home 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 savings from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Cotulla is currently $96,855, so you can look forward to a value of about $3,971 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Cotulla is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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.