Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harlingen, TX (2024 Update)
- Harlingen Solar Installation Cost: $16,449
- 25-Year Savings: $18,729
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harlingen
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Harlingen.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Harlingen, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Harlingen, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,449, or $23,522 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Harlingen homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harlingen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,140 |
| 3 years | $-12,523 |
| 5 years | $-9,906 |
| 7 years | $-7,289 |
| 9 years | $-4,672 |
| 11 years | $-2,055 |
| 13 years | $562 |
| 15 years | $3,179 |
| 17 years | $5,796 |
| 19 years | $8,413 |
| 21 years | $11,030 |
| 23 years | $13,647 |
| 25 years | $16,264 |
Top Solar Installers in Harlingen
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Harlingen:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Harlingen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harlingen
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Harlingen: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain 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 affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. 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 a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Harlingen, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Harlingen is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $12,677 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $17,276 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $22,061 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $27,033 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $32,191 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $37,536 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $43,067 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $48,785 | 11.6 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Harlingen, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harlingen?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Harlingen?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $907.43 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.