Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Hood, TX (2024 Update)
- Fort Hood Solar Installation Cost: $17,550
- 25-Year Savings: $19,882
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Hood
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Fort Hood.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Hood typically cost about 3.The average Fort Hood homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,550 with the federal tax credit, or $25,096 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Fort Hood can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Hood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,117 |
| 3 years | $-13,252 |
| 5 years | $-10,386 |
| 7 years | $-7,521 |
| 9 years | $-4,656 |
| 11 years | $-1,791 |
| 13 years | $1,075 |
| 15 years | $3,940 |
| 17 years | $6,805 |
| 19 years | $9,671 |
| 21 years | $12,536 |
| 23 years | $15,401 |
| 25 years | $18,267 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Hood
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Another advantage of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Fort Hood:
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 Fort Hood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Hood
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Fort Hood: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Fort Hood, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Fort Hood have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $12,597 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $17,169 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $21,928 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $26,873 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $32,004 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $37,322 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $42,827 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $48,518 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies 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 opt for.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and 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 Fort Hood, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Hood?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Hood is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Hood?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Fort Hood, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Fort Hood, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.