Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dripping Springs, TX (2024 Update)
- Dripping Springs Solar Installation Cost: $17,602
- 25-Year Savings: $20,832
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dripping Springs
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Dripping Springs.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dripping Springs generally cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Dripping Springs is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,602 for a solar installation, or $25,171 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Dripping Springs homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Dripping Springs see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Dripping Springs that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dripping Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,246 |
| 3 years | $-13,535 |
| 5 years | $-10,824 |
| 7 years | $-8,112 |
| 9 years | $-5,401 |
| 11 years | $-2,689 |
| 13 years | $22 |
| 15 years | $2,733 |
| 17 years | $5,445 |
| 19 years | $8,156 |
| 21 years | $10,868 |
| 23 years | $13,579 |
| 25 years | $16,290 |
Top Solar Installers in Dripping Springs
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Dripping Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dripping Springs
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Dripping Springs: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Dripping Springs, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Dripping Springs homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Dripping Springs are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $13,305 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,113 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $23,107 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,288 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $33,655 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $39,209 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $44,949 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $50,876 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Dripping Springs, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Dripping Springs, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dripping Springs?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dripping Springs?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $928.34 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Dripping Springs?
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.