Solar Panel Cost Guide in Denton, TX (2024 Update)
- Denton Solar Installation Cost: $17,850
- 25-Year Savings: $20,118
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Denton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Denton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Denton, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Denton is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,850 for a solar installation, or $25,526 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Denton based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Denton
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-16,327 |
3 years | $-13,280 |
5 years | $-10,234 |
7 years | $-7,187 |
9 years | $-4,140 |
11 years | $-1,094 |
13 years | $1,953 |
15 years | $5,000 |
17 years | $8,046 |
19 years | $11,093 |
21 years | $14,140 |
23 years | $17,186 |
25 years | $20,233 |
Top Solar Installers in Denton
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Denton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Denton
The cost of installing a solar system in Denton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,330 per kilowatt in Denton.The kind of 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Denton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Denton to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Denton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 vehicle 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $12,515 | 13.4 years |
8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $17,060 | 13.2 years |
10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $21,792 | 12.9 years |
12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $26,709 | 12.7 years |
14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $31,813 | 12.4 years |
16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $37,104 | 12.1 years |
18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $42,581 | 11.9 years |
20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $48,245 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
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 Denton, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Denton?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Denton?
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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Denton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 choose to 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.