Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kilgore, TX (2023 Update)
- Kilgore Solar Installation Cost: $14,650
- 25-Year Savings: $22,233
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kilgore
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Kilgore.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kilgore, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.69 per watt. Since a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Kilgore, the average price of going solar will be about $14,650 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 want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kilgore find going solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kilgore
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,174 |
| 3 years | $-10,224 |
| 5 years | $-7,273 |
| 7 years | $-4,322 |
| 9 years | $-1,372 |
| 11 years | $1,579 |
| 13 years | $4,529 |
| 15 years | $7,480 |
| 17 years | $10,431 |
| 19 years | $13,381 |
| 21 years | $16,332 |
| 23 years | $19,283 |
| 25 years | $22,233 |
Top Solar Installers in Kilgore
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional solar installer 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
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 Kilgore
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kilgore
Although the average cost of a solar system in Kilgore is $14,650, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Kilgore, 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 determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kilgore to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $16,690 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $22,554 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $28,570 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $34,735 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $41,052 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $47,519 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $54,137 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $60,905 | 8.9 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:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Kilgore, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kilgore?
The average cost of solar panels in Kilgore 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Kilgore?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $947.99 per year.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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 buy 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.