Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gladewater, TX (2024 Update)
- Gladewater Solar Installation Cost: $18,139
- 25-Year Savings: $18,216
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gladewater
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Gladewater.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gladewater typically cost about 3.Since a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Gladewater, the average price of going solar will be about $18,139 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gladewater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,788 |
| 3 years | $-14,086 |
| 5 years | $-11,384 |
| 7 years | $-8,681 |
| 9 years | $-5,979 |
| 11 years | $-3,277 |
| 13 years | $-575 |
| 15 years | $2,128 |
| 17 years | $4,830 |
| 19 years | $7,532 |
| 21 years | $10,234 |
| 23 years | $12,937 |
| 25 years | $15,639 |
Top Solar Installers in Gladewater
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Gladewater, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Gladewater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gladewater
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Gladewater: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,330 per kilowatt in Gladewater.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Gladewater offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to factor 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 how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Gladewater, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Gladewater are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $10,797 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $14,769 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $18,928 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $23,273 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $27,804 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $32,522 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $37,426 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $42,517 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Gladewater, 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:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- 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 significant role in the company you choose.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Gladewater, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gladewater?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Gladewater?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Gladewater?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.