Solar Panel Cost Guide in Desoto, TX (2023 Update)
- Desoto Solar Installation Cost: $14,480
- 25-Year Savings: $22,707
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Desoto
We break down average solar pricing in Desoto.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Desoto it's 2.69 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Desoto, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,480, or $20,706 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Desoto find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Desoto for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Desoto
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,993 |
| 3 years | $-10,018 |
| 5 years | $-7,043 |
| 7 years | $-4,068 |
| 9 years | $-1,093 |
| 11 years | $1,882 |
| 13 years | $4,857 |
| 15 years | $7,832 |
| 17 years | $10,807 |
| 19 years | $13,782 |
| 21 years | $16,757 |
| 23 years | $19,732 |
| 25 years | $22,707 |
Top Solar Installers in Desoto
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Desoto
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Desoto
There are several criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need 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 type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Desoto to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Desoto homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Desoto's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $17,257 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,311 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,515 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $35,870 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,375 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,031 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $55,838 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $62,796 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Desoto, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Desoto?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Desoto?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Desoto?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.