Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hearne, TX (2023 Update)
- Hearne Solar Installation Cost: $14,386
- 25-Year Savings: $21,716
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hearne
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Hearne.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hearne it's 2.69 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $14,386 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Hearne homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Hearne, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hearne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,942 |
| 3 years | $-10,054 |
| 5 years | $-7,166 |
| 7 years | $-4,277 |
| 9 years | $-1,389 |
| 11 years | $1,499 |
| 13 years | $4,387 |
| 15 years | $7,275 |
| 17 years | $10,164 |
| 19 years | $13,052 |
| 21 years | $15,940 |
| 23 years | $18,828 |
| 25 years | $21,716 |
Top Solar Installers in Hearne
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Hearne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hearne
There are many factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Hearne, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hearne, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Hearne offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Hearne homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. Hearne's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater 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 | $16,608 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $22,446 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $28,434 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $34,572 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $40,862 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $47,301 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $53,892 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $60,633 | 9.0 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 models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Hearne, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hearne?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 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 needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hearne?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Hearne have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Hearne?
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 how much 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.