Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elsa, TX (2023 Update)
- Elsa Solar Installation Cost: $13,387
- 25-Year Savings: $17,670
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elsa
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Elsa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Elsa it's 2.69 per watt. Since a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Elsa, the average price of going solar will be about $13,388 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Elsa homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Elsa for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Elsa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,966 |
| 3 years | $-9,124 |
| 5 years | $-6,282 |
| 7 years | $-3,440 |
| 9 years | $-598 |
| 11 years | $2,244 |
| 13 years | $5,087 |
| 15 years | $7,929 |
| 17 years | $10,771 |
| 19 years | $13,613 |
| 21 years | $16,455 |
| 23 years | $19,297 |
| 25 years | $22,140 |
Top Solar Installers in Elsa
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Elsa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elsa
The cost of installing a solar system in Elsa can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,690 per kilowatt in Elsa. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose 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 utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Elsa homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's wise to factor 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Elsa, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $14,460 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $19,582 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $24,854 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $30,277 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $35,850 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $41,574 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $47,449 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $53,474 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Elsa, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elsa?
The average cost of solar panels in Elsa is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Elsa, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Elsa?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.