Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cuero, TX (Mar 2023)
- Cuero Solar Installation Cost: $14,217
- 25-Year Savings: $22,234
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cuero
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Cuero.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cuero it's 2.69 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Cuero, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,217, or $20,330 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Cuero see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cuero
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,759 |
| 3 years | $-9,843 |
| 5 years | $-6,927 |
| 7 years | $-4,011 |
| 9 years | $-1,094 |
| 11 years | $1,822 |
| 13 years | $4,738 |
| 15 years | $7,654 |
| 17 years | $10,570 |
| 19 years | $13,486 |
| 21 years | $16,402 |
| 23 years | $19,318 |
| 25 years | $22,234 |
Top Solar Installers in Cuero
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Cuero
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cuero
The cost of installing a solar system in Cuero can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,690. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Cuero, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Cuero know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $17,231 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,276 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,471 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $35,818 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,315 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $48,962 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $55,760 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $62,709 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although 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 take a look at their list of options before deciding.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Cuero, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cuero?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cuero?
You can't get solar panels for free in Cuero. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Cuero, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.