Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kaufman, TX (2023 Update)
- Kaufman Solar Installation Cost: $14,496
- 25-Year Savings: $22,692
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kaufman
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Kaufman.
In Kaufman, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. The average Kaufman homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,499 with the federal tax credit, or $20,734 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kaufman find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Kaufman, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kaufman
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,372 |
| 3 years | $-14,124 |
| 5 years | $-13,876 |
| 7 years | $-13,628 |
| 9 years | $-13,380 |
| 11 years | $-13,133 |
| 13 years | $-12,885 |
| 15 years | $-12,637 |
| 17 years | $-12,389 |
| 19 years | $-12,141 |
| 21 years | $-11,893 |
| 23 years | $-11,645 |
| 25 years | $-11,397 |
Top Solar Installers in Kaufman
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and handiness. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar company in Kaufman, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Kaufman
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kaufman
For many Kaufman homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kaufman, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Kaufman, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Kaufman, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Kaufman, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.