Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gainesville, TX (2024 Update)
- Gainesville Solar Installation Cost: $17,902
- 25-Year Savings: $22,668
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gainesville
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Gainesville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gainesville it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Gainesville, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,902, or $25,600 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Gainesville homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant initial 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.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Gainesville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Gainesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,247 |
| 3 years | $-12,939 |
| 5 years | $-9,630 |
| 7 years | $-6,321 |
| 9 years | $-3,012 |
| 11 years | $296 |
| 13 years | $3,605 |
| 15 years | $6,914 |
| 17 years | $10,223 |
| 19 years | $13,531 |
| 21 years | $16,840 |
| 23 years | $20,149 |
| 25 years | $23,457 |
Top Solar Installers in Gainesville
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Gainesville:
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 Gainesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gainesville
There are many criteria that can determine your 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 panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need 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 $3,330.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Gainesville, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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 out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Gainesville homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Gainesville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $14,462 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,656 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,036 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,603 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,356 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,296 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,422 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $54,735 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Gainesville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-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 hire.
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 Gainesville, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gainesville?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Gainesville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Gainesville. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $966.93 per year.
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.