Solar Panel Cost Guide in Llano, TX (Mar 2023)

  • Llano Solar Installation Cost: $13,897
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,093
  • 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 March 14, 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 Llano

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Llano.

In Llano, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $13,897 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Llano homeowner can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Llano

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,417
3 years $-9,458
5 years $-6,499
7 years $-3,540
9 years $-580
11 years $2,379
13 years $5,338
15 years $8,297
17 years $11,256
19 years $14,215
21 years $17,174
23 years $20,134
25 years $23,093

Top Solar Installers in Llano

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 (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 Llano

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Llano

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Llano: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.

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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,690 per kilowatt in Llano. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, 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 looking into a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route 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. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Llano, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater 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 $18,332 9.8 years
8 kW $2.74 $15,365 $24,744 9.6 years
10 kW $2.69 $18,830 $31,306 9.4 years
12 kW $2.64 $22,144 $38,019 9.2 years
14 kW $2.58 $25,308 $44,883 9.0 years
16 kW $2.53 $28,320 $51,897 8.8 years
18 kW $2.47 $31,182 $59,062 8.6 years
20 kW $2.42 $33,894 $66,378 8.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
  • Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.

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 Llano, TX Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Llano?

The average cost of solar panels in Llano is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Llano?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Llano, 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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