Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crystal City, TX (2024 Update)
- Crystal City Solar Installation Cost: $16,890
- 25-Year Savings: $31,713
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crystal City
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Crystal City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Crystal City it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Crystal City is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,890 for a solar installation, or $24,153 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Crystal City homeowner can save around $24,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Crystal City for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Crystal City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,374 |
| 3 years | $-12,342 |
| 5 years | $-9,311 |
| 7 years | $-6,280 |
| 9 years | $-3,248 |
| 11 years | $-217 |
| 13 years | $2,815 |
| 15 years | $5,846 |
| 17 years | $8,877 |
| 19 years | $11,909 |
| 21 years | $14,940 |
| 23 years | $17,972 |
| 25 years | $21,003 |
Top Solar Installers in Crystal City
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Crystal City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crystal City
There are many criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Crystal City to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Crystal City is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $23,013 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $31,057 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $39,288 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $47,705 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $56,308 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $65,098 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $74,074 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $83,237 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Crystal City, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Crystal City?
The average cost of solar panels in Crystal City is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial 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 keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $1,251.95 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Crystal City?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.