Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lackland Air Force Base, TX (2023 Update)

  • Lackland Air Force Base Solar Installation Cost: $14,104
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,297
  • Payback Period: 9.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lackland Air Force Base

We go over average solar pricing in Lackland Air Force Base.

In Lackland Air Force Base, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Lackland Air Force Base, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,104, or $20,169 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Lackland Air Force Base homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Lackland Air Force Base

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,608
3 years $-9,616
5 years $-6,624
7 years $-3,631
9 years $-639
11 years $2,353
13 years $5,345
15 years $8,337
17 years $11,329
19 years $14,321
21 years $17,313
23 years $20,305
25 years $23,297

Top Solar Installers in Lackland Air Force Base

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Lackland Air Force Base

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lackland Air Force Base

The cost of installing a solar system in Lackland Air Force Base can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,690 per kilowatt in Lackland Air Force Base. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lackland Air Force Base average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Lackland Air Force Base, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

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 $18,197 9.8 years
8 kW $2.74 $15,365 $24,564 9.6 years
10 kW $2.69 $18,830 $31,082 9.4 years
12 kW $2.64 $22,144 $37,750 9.2 years
14 kW $2.58 $25,308 $44,569 9.1 years
16 kW $2.53 $28,320 $51,539 8.9 years
18 kW $2.47 $31,182 $58,659 8.7 years
20 kW $2.42 $33,894 $65,930 8.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in Lackland Air Force Base, 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:

  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Lackland Air Force Base, TX Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lackland Air Force Base?

The average cost of solar panels in Lackland Air Force Base 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Lackland Air Force Base?

You can't get solar panels for free in Lackland Air Force Base. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Does Lackland Air Force Base have a net metering program?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels do I need 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 typically 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.

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