Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harlingen, TX (Mar 2023)
- Harlingen Solar Installation Cost: $13,294
- 25-Year Savings: $18,723
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harlingen
We break down average solar pricing in Harlingen.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Harlingen typically cost about 2.69. Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $13,294 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Harlingen, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harlingen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,013 |
| 3 years | $-9,452 |
| 5 years | $-6,891 |
| 7 years | $-4,329 |
| 9 years | $-1,768 |
| 11 years | $793 |
| 13 years | $3,355 |
| 15 years | $5,916 |
| 17 years | $8,477 |
| 19 years | $11,039 |
| 21 years | $13,600 |
| 23 years | $16,161 |
| 25 years | $18,723 |
Top Solar Installers in Harlingen
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Harlingen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harlingen
The cost of installing a solar system in Harlingen can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use 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. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Harlingen, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Harlingen to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Harlingen homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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 select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access 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 lower 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $15,473 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $20,932 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $26,541 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $32,302 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $38,212 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $44,274 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $50,486 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $56,849 | 9.3 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 brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Harlingen, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harlingen?
The average cost of solar panels in Harlingen 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.