Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gainesville, TX (2023 Update)
- Gainesville Solar Installation Cost: $14,461
- 25-Year Savings: $22,668
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gainesville
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Gainesville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gainesville typically cost about 2.69. The average solar panel system size in Gainesville is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,461 for a solar installation, or $20,679 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Gainesville based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Gainesville homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Gainesville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gainesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,976 |
| 3 years | $-10,006 |
| 5 years | $-7,036 |
| 7 years | $-4,065 |
| 9 years | $-1,095 |
| 11 years | $1,876 |
| 13 years | $4,846 |
| 15 years | $7,816 |
| 17 years | $10,787 |
| 19 years | $13,757 |
| 21 years | $16,727 |
| 23 years | $19,698 |
| 25 years | $22,668 |
Top Solar Installers in Gainesville
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Gainesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gainesville
There are several factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,690. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Gainesville average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Gainesville is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $17,258 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,312 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,516 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $35,872 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,377 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,034 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $55,841 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $62,799 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Gainesville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- 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 most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Gainesville, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gainesville?
The average cost of solar panels in Gainesville is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Gainesville?
Solar panels aren't free in Gainesville, 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.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Gainesville is currently $156,380, so you could be looking at a value of about $6,412 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Gainesville is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.