Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Hood, TX (2023 Update)
- Fort Hood Solar Installation Cost: $14,177
- 25-Year Savings: $19,882
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Hood
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fort Hood.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fort Hood, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Fort Hood, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,179, or $20,276 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Fort Hood based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Fort Hood for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fort Hood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,744 |
| 3 years | $-9,879 |
| 5 years | $-7,014 |
| 7 years | $-4,148 |
| 9 years | $-1,283 |
| 11 years | $1,582 |
| 13 years | $4,448 |
| 15 years | $7,313 |
| 17 years | $10,178 |
| 19 years | $13,044 |
| 21 years | $15,909 |
| 23 years | $18,774 |
| 25 years | $21,639 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Hood
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be challenging. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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
There are a number of criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,690. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Fort Hood, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Fort Hood homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Fort Hood's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Fort Hood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions 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
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 $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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Fort Hood?
You can't get solar panels for free in Fort Hood. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher level 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.