Solar Panel Cost Guide in Leander, TX (2023 Update)

  • Leander Solar Installation Cost: $14,198
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,570
  • Payback Period: 9.9 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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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Leander

Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Leander.

The average cost of solar panels in Leander is 2.69 per watt. The average Leander homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,198 with the federal tax credit, or $20,303 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Leander find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Leander

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,767
3 years $-9,906
5 years $-7,044
7 years $-4,183
9 years $-1,322
11 years $1,540
13 years $4,401
15 years $7,263
17 years $10,124
19 years $12,985
21 years $15,847
23 years $18,708
25 years $21,570

Top Solar Installers in Leander

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another perk of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 Leander

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Leander

Though the average cost of a solar system in Leander is $14,198, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Leander, one of the most crucial 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option 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. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Leander 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Leander, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Leander are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $16,699 10.3 years
8 kW $2.74 $15,365 $22,567 10.1 years
10 kW $2.69 $18,830 $28,585 9.9 years
12 kW $2.64 $22,144 $34,754 9.7 years
14 kW $2.58 $25,308 $41,073 9.5 years
16 kW $2.53 $28,320 $47,543 9.3 years
18 kW $2.47 $31,182 $54,164 9.1 years
20 kW $2.42 $33,894 $60,935 8.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.

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 Leander, TX Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Leander?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Leander?

Solar panels aren't free in Leander, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Is it worth going solar in Leander?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 get 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.

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