Solar Panel Cost Guide in El Campo, TX (2024 Update)
- El Campo Solar Installation Cost: $17,712
- 25-Year Savings: $24,647
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in El Campo
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in El Campo.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in El Campo, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average El Campo homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,712 with the federal tax credit, or $25,328 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
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 depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in El Campo, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in El Campo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,188 |
| 3 years | $-13,140 |
| 5 years | $-10,092 |
| 7 years | $-7,044 |
| 9 years | $-3,995 |
| 11 years | $-947 |
| 13 years | $2,101 |
| 15 years | $5,149 |
| 17 years | $8,198 |
| 19 years | $11,246 |
| 21 years | $14,294 |
| 23 years | $17,342 |
| 25 years | $20,390 |
Top Solar Installers in El Campo
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 El Campo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in El Campo
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in El Campo: 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,330 per kilowatt in El Campo.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many El Campo homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for El Campo homeowners, they can also raise 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
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that 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 has 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 | $16,214 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $21,992 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $27,956 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $34,107 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $40,444 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $46,968 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $53,678 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $60,575 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 El Campo, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in El Campo?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does El Campo have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.