Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lockhart, TX (2023 Update)
- Lockhart Solar Installation Cost: $14,220
- 25-Year Savings: $21,675
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lockhart
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Lockhart.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lockhart generally cost around 2.69. Because a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Lockhart, the average price of going solar will be about $14,217 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lockhart
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,848 |
| 3 years | $-10,103 |
| 5 years | $-7,358 |
| 7 years | $-4,613 |
| 9 years | $-1,868 |
| 11 years | $876 |
| 13 years | $3,621 |
| 15 years | $6,366 |
| 17 years | $9,111 |
| 19 years | $11,856 |
| 21 years | $14,600 |
| 23 years | $17,345 |
| 25 years | $20,090 |
Top Solar Installers in Lockhart
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working 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.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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
There are a number of factors that can determine 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
One of the most important 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,690 per kilowatt in Lockhart. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Lockhart's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $16,769 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $22,660 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $28,701 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $34,893 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $41,236 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $47,730 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $54,374 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $61,168 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lockhart?
The average cost of solar panels in Lockhart 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lockhart?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 buy 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.