Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lago Vista, TX (Mar 2023)

  • Lago Vista Solar Installation Cost: $14,235
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,901
  • Payback Period: 9.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lago Vista

Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Lago Vista.

In Lago Vista, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $14,235 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Lago Vista based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Lago Vista homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Lago Vista for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Lago Vista

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,790
3 years $-9,899
5 years $-7,008
7 years $-4,117
9 years $-1,227
11 years $1,664
13 years $4,555
15 years $7,446
17 years $10,337
19 years $13,228
21 years $16,119
23 years $19,010
25 years $21,901

Top Solar Installers in Lago Vista

Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.

Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 (coming 2022)

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 Lago Vista

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lago Vista

For many Lago Vista homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lago Vista, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,690 per kilowatt in Lago Vista. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice 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 adopting solar energy more accessible for Lago Vista homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lago Vista is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 $16,934 10.2 years
8 kW $2.74 $15,365 $22,880 10.0 years
10 kW $2.69 $18,830 $28,977 9.8 years
12 kW $2.64 $22,144 $35,224 9.6 years
14 kW $2.58 $25,308 $41,622 9.5 years
16 kW $2.53 $28,320 $48,171 9.3 years
18 kW $2.47 $31,182 $54,870 9.1 years
20 kW $2.42 $33,894 $61,720 8.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Lago Vista, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.

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 (coming 2022)

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 Lago Vista, TX Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lago Vista?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Lago Vista?

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

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lago Vista?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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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