Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillsboro, TX (2024 Update)
- Hillsboro Solar Installation Cost: $17,718
- 25-Year Savings: $21,190
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillsboro
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Hillsboro.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hillsboro it’s 3 per watt.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 $17,718, or $25,337 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Hillsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,356 |
| 3 years | $-13,634 |
| 5 years | $-10,911 |
| 7 years | $-8,189 |
| 9 years | $-5,466 |
| 11 years | $-2,744 |
| 13 years | $-21 |
| 15 years | $2,701 |
| 17 years | $5,424 |
| 19 years | $8,147 |
| 21 years | $10,869 |
| 23 years | $13,592 |
| 25 years | $16,314 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillsboro
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Another advantage of using a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Hillsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillsboro
For many Hillsboro homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hillsboro, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Hillsboro, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Hillsboro, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies 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 offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $13,479 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,345 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $23,397 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,636 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $34,062 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $39,674 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $45,472 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $51,457 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available 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 energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Hillsboro, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hillsboro?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hillsboro?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.