Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillsboro, TX (2023 Update)
- Hillsboro Solar Installation Cost: $14,312
- 25-Year Savings: $21,190
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillsboro
We break down average solar pricing in Hillsboro.
In Hillsboro, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Hillsboro, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,311, or $20,465 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Hillsboro homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hillsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,194 |
| 3 years | $-13,957 |
| 5 years | $-13,721 |
| 7 years | $-13,484 |
| 9 years | $-13,247 |
| 11 years | $-13,011 |
| 13 years | $-12,774 |
| 15 years | $-12,537 |
| 17 years | $-12,301 |
| 19 years | $-12,064 |
| 21 years | $-11,827 |
| 23 years | $-11,591 |
| 25 years | $-11,354 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillsboro
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Hillsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillsboro
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Hillsboro: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
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, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,690. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much 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 financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Hillsboro, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Hillsboro is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Companies that 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 at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides 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 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Hillsboro, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hillsboro?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly 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 eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $934.15 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.