Solar Panel Cost Guide in Longview, TX (2023 Update)
- Longview Solar Installation Cost: $14,669
- 25-Year Savings: $20,384
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Longview
We break down average solar pricing in Longview.
In Longview, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Longview, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,669, or $20,977 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Longview can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Longview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,266 |
| 3 years | $-10,462 |
| 5 years | $-7,658 |
| 7 years | $-4,854 |
| 9 years | $-2,050 |
| 11 years | $755 |
| 13 years | $3,559 |
| 15 years | $6,363 |
| 17 years | $9,167 |
| 19 years | $11,972 |
| 21 years | $14,776 |
| 23 years | $17,580 |
| 25 years | $20,384 |
Top Solar Installers in Longview
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Longview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Longview
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Longview: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation 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 $2,690. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Longview average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Longview, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Longview homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Longview's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 names.
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 | $15,251 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $20,636 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $26,171 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $31,857 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $37,694 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $43,681 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $49,819 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $56,108 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Longview, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Longview?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 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 above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Longview?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Longview?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.