Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highlands, TX (2024 Update)
- Highlands Solar Installation Cost: $17,820
- 25-Year Savings: $22,793
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highlands
We go over average solar pricing in Highlands.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Highlands generally cost around 3.Since a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Highlands, the average price of going solar will be about $17,820 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 true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you 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 $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Highlands, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Highlands
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,399 |
| 3 years | $-13,557 |
| 5 years | $-10,714 |
| 7 years | $-7,872 |
| 9 years | $-5,030 |
| 11 years | $-2,188 |
| 13 years | $654 |
| 15 years | $3,496 |
| 17 years | $6,339 |
| 19 years | $9,181 |
| 21 years | $12,023 |
| 23 years | $14,865 |
| 25 years | $17,707 |
Top Solar Installers in Highlands
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Highlands
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highlands
There are many factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Highlands, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Highlands average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Highlands have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Highlands’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $14,641 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,895 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,335 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,961 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,774 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,774 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,959 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $55,332 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though 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 make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Highlands, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Highlands?
The average cost of solar panels in Highlands 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Highlands?
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 don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Highlands?
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 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.