Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Hood, TX (2023 Update)
- Fort Hood Solar Installation Cost: $14,179
- 25-Year Savings: $19,880
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Hood
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fort Hood.
In Fort Hood, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $14,179 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Fort Hood depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average Fort Hood homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Fort Hood, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Hood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,817 |
| 3 years | $-10,092 |
| 5 years | $-7,367 |
| 7 years | $-4,642 |
| 9 years | $-1,918 |
| 11 years | $807 |
| 13 years | $3,532 |
| 15 years | $6,256 |
| 17 years | $8,981 |
| 19 years | $11,706 |
| 21 years | $14,431 |
| 23 years | $17,155 |
| 25 years | $19,880 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Hood
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Fort Hood:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
For many Fort Hood homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fort Hood, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fort Hood average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger 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
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Fort Hood, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,393 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $20,825 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $26,408 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $32,141 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $38,025 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $44,060 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $50,246 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $56,582 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Hood?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Hood?
Solar panels aren'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 further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Fort Hood?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Hood?
On average, solar panels can last 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 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.