Solar Panel Cost Guide in Horseshoe Bay, TX (Mar 2023)
- Horseshoe Bay Solar Installation Cost: $13,972
- 25-Year Savings: $23,017
- Payback Period: 9.4 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 Horseshoe Bay
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Horseshoe Bay.
The average cost of solar panels in Horseshoe Bay is 2.69 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Horseshoe Bay, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,972, or $19,980 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Horseshoe Bay find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Horseshoe Bay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,492 |
| 3 years | $-9,533 |
| 5 years | $-6,574 |
| 7 years | $-3,615 |
| 9 years | $-656 |
| 11 years | $2,303 |
| 13 years | $5,263 |
| 15 years | $8,222 |
| 17 years | $11,181 |
| 19 years | $14,140 |
| 21 years | $17,099 |
| 23 years | $20,058 |
| 25 years | $23,017 |
Top Solar Installers in Horseshoe Bay
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Horseshoe Bay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Horseshoe Bay
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Horseshoe Bay: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,690. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Horseshoe Bay, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. 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 too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Horseshoe Bay, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically 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 add-on services like electric car 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $18,162 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $24,518 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $31,024 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $37,680 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $44,487 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $51,445 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $58,554 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $65,813 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model 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 take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Horseshoe Bay, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Horseshoe Bay?
The average cost of solar panels in Horseshoe Bay 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost 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.
Does Horseshoe Bay have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher 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.