Solar Panel Cost Guide in Longview, TX (2024 Update)
- Longview Solar Installation Cost: $18,157
- 25-Year Savings: $20,386
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Longview
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Longview.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Longview it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Longview, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,157, or $25,965 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Longview find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Longview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,806 |
| 3 years | $-14,103 |
| 5 years | $-11,401 |
| 7 years | $-8,699 |
| 9 years | $-5,997 |
| 11 years | $-3,294 |
| 13 years | $-592 |
| 15 years | $2,110 |
| 17 years | $4,812 |
| 19 years | $7,515 |
| 21 years | $10,217 |
| 23 years | $12,919 |
| 25 years | $15,621 |
Top Solar Installers in Longview
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of going with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Longview:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Longview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Longview
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Longview is $18,157, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,330 per kilowatt in Longview.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Longview to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Longview, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,455 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $16,980 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $21,691 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $26,589 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $31,673 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $36,943 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $42,401 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $48,044 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Longview, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Longview, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Longview?
The average cost of solar panels in Longview is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Longview?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Longview?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.