Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hidalgo, TX (2024 Update)

  • Hidalgo Solar Installation Cost: $16,573
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,670
  • Payback Period: 13.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hidalgo

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Hidalgo.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hidalgo, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Since a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Hidalgo, the average price of going solar will be about $16,573 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Hidalgo homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Hidalgo

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,330
3 years $-12,846
5 years $-10,362
7 years $-7,878
9 years $-5,394
11 years $-2,910
13 years $-426
15 years $2,058
17 years $4,542
19 years $7,026
21 years $9,511
23 years $11,995
25 years $14,479

Top Solar Installers in Hidalgo

Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Hidalgo

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hidalgo

There are many factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

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 a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hidalgo, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Hidalgo, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 $3.46 $14,545 $11,665 13.9 years
8 kW $3.40 $19,021 $15,926 13.6 years
10 kW $3.33 $23,310 $20,374 13.3 years
12 kW $3.26 $27,413 $25,008 13.1 years
14 kW $3.20 $31,329 $29,829 12.8 years
16 kW $3.13 $35,058 $34,836 12.5 years
18 kW $3.06 $38,601 $40,030 12.3 years
20 kW $3.00 $41,958 $45,410 12.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Hidalgo, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Hidalgo, TX Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hidalgo?

The average cost of solar panels in Hidalgo is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?

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 $873.68 per year.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.

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.

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