Solar Panel Cost Guide in El Campo, TX (2023 Update)
- El Campo Solar Installation Cost: $14,311
- 25-Year Savings: $24,645
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in El Campo
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in El Campo.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in El Campo typically cost about 2.69. Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in El Campo, the average price of going solar will be about $14,311 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in El Campo based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in El Campo find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in El Campo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,753 |
| 3 years | $-9,636 |
| 5 years | $-6,520 |
| 7 years | $-3,403 |
| 9 years | $-287 |
| 11 years | $2,830 |
| 13 years | $5,946 |
| 15 years | $9,062 |
| 17 years | $12,179 |
| 19 years | $15,295 |
| 21 years | $18,412 |
| 23 years | $21,528 |
| 25 years | $24,645 |
Top Solar Installers in El Campo
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in El Campo:
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 El Campo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in El Campo
The cost of installing a solar system in El Campo 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 the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in El Campo, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many El Campo homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for El Campo homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. El Campo's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 decide on the company that provides 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $19,010 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $25,648 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $32,436 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $39,376 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $46,466 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $53,706 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $61,097 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $68,639 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in El Campo, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 El Campo, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in El Campo?
The average cost of solar panels in El Campo is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in El Campo?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for 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 a solar system."
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.