Solar Panel Cost Guide in Decatur, TX (2024 Update)
- Decatur Solar Installation Cost: $17,667
- 25-Year Savings: $19,718
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Decatur
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Decatur.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Decatur is 3 per watt.Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Decatur, the average price of going solar will be about $17,667 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Decatur that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Decatur
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,224 |
| 3 years | $-13,337 |
| 5 years | $-10,450 |
| 7 years | $-7,563 |
| 9 years | $-4,677 |
| 11 years | $-1,790 |
| 13 years | $1,097 |
| 15 years | $3,984 |
| 17 years | $6,871 |
| 19 years | $9,757 |
| 21 years | $12,644 |
| 23 years | $15,531 |
| 25 years | $18,418 |
Top Solar Installers in Decatur
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Decatur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Decatur
For many Decatur homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Decatur, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
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. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Decatur, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Decatur offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s wise to include 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Decatur, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $12,361 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $16,855 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $21,535 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $26,401 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $31,454 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $36,693 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $42,119 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $47,732 | 11.7 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Decatur, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Decatur?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Decatur?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Decatur. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.