Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gilmer, TX (2023 Update)
- Gilmer Solar Installation Cost: $14,671
- 25-Year Savings: $21,201
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gilmer
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Gilmer.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gilmer, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Gilmer, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,669, or $20,977 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Gilmer depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Gilmer can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gilmer
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,319 |
| 3 years | $-10,617 |
| 5 years | $-7,915 |
| 7 years | $-5,213 |
| 9 years | $-2,510 |
| 11 years | $192 |
| 13 years | $2,894 |
| 15 years | $5,596 |
| 17 years | $8,299 |
| 19 years | $11,001 |
| 21 years | $13,703 |
| 23 years | $16,405 |
| 25 years | $19,108 |
Top Solar Installers in Gilmer
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Gilmer
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gilmer
For many Gilmer homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gilmer, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require 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. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Gilmer homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Gilmer's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $15,875 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $21,469 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $27,212 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $33,107 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $39,152 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $45,347 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $51,694 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $58,191 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Gilmer, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Gilmer, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gilmer?
The average cost of solar panels in Gilmer 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Gilmer?
You can't get solar panels for free in Gilmer. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Does Gilmer have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.