Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fair Oaks Ranch, TX (2024 Update)
- Fair Oaks Ranch Solar Installation Cost: $17,541
- 25-Year Savings: $22,447
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fair Oaks Ranch
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fair Oaks Ranch.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fair Oaks Ranch, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Fair Oaks Ranch is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,541 for a solar installation, or $25,084 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Fair Oaks Ranch homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Fair Oaks Ranch, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fair Oaks Ranch
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,102 |
| 3 years | $-13,224 |
| 5 years | $-10,345 |
| 7 years | $-7,467 |
| 9 years | $-4,589 |
| 11 years | $-1,711 |
| 13 years | $1,167 |
| 15 years | $4,045 |
| 17 years | $6,923 |
| 19 years | $9,801 |
| 21 years | $12,679 |
| 23 years | $15,557 |
| 25 years | $18,435 |
Top Solar Installers in Fair Oaks Ranch
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Fair Oaks Ranch
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fair Oaks Ranch
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Fair Oaks Ranch: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fair Oaks Ranch to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Fair Oaks Ranch is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies 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 go with 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $14,650 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,906 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,349 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,978 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,794 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,797 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,985 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $55,360 | 10.8 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 a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Fair Oaks Ranch, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fair Oaks Ranch?
The average cost of solar panels in Fair Oaks Ranch is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $973.18 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.