Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lockhart, TX (2024 Update)
- Lockhart Solar Installation Cost: $17,603
- 25-Year Savings: $21,675
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lockhart
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Lockhart.
The average cost of a solar system in Lockhart is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Lockhart, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,603, or $25,172 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Lockhart see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lockhart
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,231 |
| 3 years | $-13,486 |
| 5 years | $-10,741 |
| 7 years | $-7,997 |
| 9 years | $-5,252 |
| 11 years | $-2,507 |
| 13 years | $238 |
| 15 years | $2,983 |
| 17 years | $5,728 |
| 19 years | $8,472 |
| 21 years | $11,217 |
| 23 years | $13,962 |
| 25 years | $16,707 |
Top Solar Installers in Lockhart
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels 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 Lockhart
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lockhart
Though the average cost of a solar system in Lockhart is $17,603, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Lockhart, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Lockhart, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can influence the cost. Lockhart’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $13,973 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,004 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $24,221 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $29,625 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $35,215 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $40,992 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $46,955 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $53,104 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Lockhart, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lockhart?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lockhart?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Lockhart. 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.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Lockhart is currently $305,464, which means you could be looking at a value of about $12,524 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lockhart is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.