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.Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $17,902 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Gainesville depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Gainesville, you can click the button below.
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 prefer to hire a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another great thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Gainesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gainesville
Though the average cost of a solar system in Gainesville is $17,902, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation 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 $3,330.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Gainesville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Gainesville provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Gainesville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Gainesville, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gainesville?
The average cost of solar panels in Gainesville 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Gainesville?
A solar panel system isn’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 you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. 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 long do solar panels last in Gainesville?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.