Solar Panel Cost Guide in Laredo, TX (2023 Update)
- Laredo Solar Installation Cost: $13,275
- 25-Year Savings: $29,143
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Laredo
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Laredo.
The average cost of a solar system in Laredo is 2.69 per watt. Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Laredo, the average price of going solar will be about $13,275 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Laredo for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Laredo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,578 |
| 3 years | $-8,185 |
| 5 years | $-4,792 |
| 7 years | $-1,398 |
| 9 years | $1,995 |
| 11 years | $5,389 |
| 13 years | $8,782 |
| 15 years | $12,176 |
| 17 years | $15,569 |
| 19 years | $18,963 |
| 21 years | $22,356 |
| 23 years | $25,750 |
| 25 years | $29,143 |
Top Solar Installers in Laredo
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Laredo, we've organized 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 (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 Laredo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Laredo
There are several factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Laredo, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Laredo, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Laredo's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $24,336 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $32,749 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $41,313 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $50,028 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $58,893 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $67,909 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $77,075 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $86,393 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure 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 considerable role in the company you choose.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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 Laredo, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Laredo?
The average cost of solar panels in Laredo 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Laredo?
A solar panel system isn't free in Laredo, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,202.87 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.