Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kaufman, TX (Mar 2023)
- Kaufman Solar Installation Cost: $14,499
- 25-Year Savings: $22,689
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kaufman
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Kaufman.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kaufman it's 2.69 per watt. Because a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Kaufman, the average price of going solar will be about $14,499 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Kaufman, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kaufman
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,012 |
| 3 years | $-10,037 |
| 5 years | $-7,062 |
| 7 years | $-4,087 |
| 9 years | $-1,112 |
| 11 years | $1,864 |
| 13 years | $4,839 |
| 15 years | $7,814 |
| 17 years | $10,789 |
| 19 years | $13,764 |
| 21 years | $16,739 |
| 23 years | $19,714 |
| 25 years | $22,689 |
Top Solar Installers in Kaufman
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Kaufman
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kaufman
The cost of installing a solar system in Kaufman can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Kaufman homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Kaufman's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Kaufman know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 | $17,233 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,279 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,476 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $35,823 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,320 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $48,969 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $55,767 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $62,717 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Kaufman, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kaufman?
The average cost of solar panels in Kaufman is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as 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 Kaufman?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Kaufman, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.