Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gonzales, TX (2023 Update)
- Gonzales Solar Installation Cost: $14,141
- 25-Year Savings: $23,461
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gonzales
We break down average solar pricing in Gonzales.
In Gonzales, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Gonzales, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,141, or $20,222 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Gonzales homeowner can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Gonzales, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gonzales
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,637 |
| 3 years | $-9,629 |
| 5 years | $-6,621 |
| 7 years | $-3,613 |
| 9 years | $-604 |
| 11 years | $2,404 |
| 13 years | $5,412 |
| 15 years | $8,420 |
| 17 years | $11,428 |
| 19 years | $14,437 |
| 21 years | $17,445 |
| 23 years | $20,453 |
| 25 years | $23,461 |
Top Solar Installers in Gonzales
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are several 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 Gonzales
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gonzales
There are a number of factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Gonzales, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence how much it costs. Gonzales' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $18,281 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $24,677 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $31,222 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $37,919 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $44,766 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $51,763 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $58,912 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $66,211 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Gonzales, 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:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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 opt for.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 past customers.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Gonzales, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gonzales?
The average cost of solar panels in Gonzales 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Gonzales?
You can't get solar panels for free in Gonzales. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Gonzales is currently $139,000, so you could be looking at a value of about $5,699 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Gonzales is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Gonzales?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.