Solar Panel Cost Guide in Little Elm, TX (2024 Update)
- Little Elm Solar Installation Cost: $17,850
- 25-Year Savings: $20,688
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Little Elm
We break down average solar pricing in Little Elm.
In Little Elm, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Little Elm homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,850 with the federal tax credit, or $25,526 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Little Elm homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Little Elm find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Little Elm for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Little Elm
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,564 |
| 3 years | $-13,991 |
| 5 years | $-11,418 |
| 7 years | $-8,845 |
| 9 years | $-6,272 |
| 11 years | $-3,698 |
| 13 years | $-1,125 |
| 15 years | $1,448 |
| 17 years | $4,021 |
| 19 years | $6,594 |
| 21 years | $9,167 |
| 23 years | $11,740 |
| 25 years | $14,313 |
Top Solar Installers in Little Elm
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Little Elm
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Little Elm
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Little Elm: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Little Elm, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Little Elm, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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 in cash is out of reach, 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.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.46 | $14,545 | $12,962 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $17,656 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $22,536 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $27,603 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $32,856 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $38,296 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $43,922 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $49,734 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Little Elm, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Little Elm?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Little Elm?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Little Elm. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Little Elm, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Little Elm?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.