Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillsboro, TX (Mar 2023)
- Hillsboro Solar Installation Cost: $14,311
- 25-Year Savings: $21,191
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillsboro
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hillsboro.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hillsboro it's 2.69 per watt. The average Hillsboro homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,311 with the federal tax credit, or $20,465 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Hillsboro based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Hillsboro homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Hillsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,891 |
| 3 years | $-10,051 |
| 5 years | $-7,210 |
| 7 years | $-4,370 |
| 9 years | $-1,530 |
| 11 years | $1,310 |
| 13 years | $4,150 |
| 15 years | $6,990 |
| 17 years | $9,831 |
| 19 years | $12,671 |
| 21 years | $15,511 |
| 23 years | $18,351 |
| 25 years | $21,191 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillsboro
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar company 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 Hillsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillsboro
Though the average cost of a solar system in Hillsboro is $14,311, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,690. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Hillsboro homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Hillsboro homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Hillsboro, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Hillsboro know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $16,275 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $22,001 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $27,877 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $33,905 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $40,083 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $46,412 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $52,891 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $59,521 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Hillsboro, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Hillsboro, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hillsboro?
The average cost of solar panels in Hillsboro 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hillsboro?
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.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Hillsboro?
Even 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 choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.