Solar Panel Cost Guide in Los Fresnos, TX (2023 Update)
- Los Fresnos Solar Installation Cost: $13,294
- 25-Year Savings: $19,682
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Los Fresnos
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Los Fresnos.
The average cost of a solar system in Los Fresnos is 2.69 per watt. The average Los Fresnos homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,294 with the federal tax credit, or $19,010 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Los Fresnos homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Los Fresnos can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Los Fresnos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,975 |
| 3 years | $-9,337 |
| 5 years | $-6,699 |
| 7 years | $-4,061 |
| 9 years | $-1,423 |
| 11 years | $1,215 |
| 13 years | $3,853 |
| 15 years | $6,491 |
| 17 years | $9,129 |
| 19 years | $11,767 |
| 21 years | $14,405 |
| 23 years | $17,043 |
| 25 years | $19,682 |
Top Solar Installers in Los Fresnos
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Los Fresnos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Los Fresnos
For many Los Fresnos homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Los Fresnos, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,690 per kilowatt in Los Fresnos. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Los Fresnos to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost 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 higher prices over time due to interest. It's a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Los Fresnos is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $16,288 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $22,019 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $27,900 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $33,932 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $40,115 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $46,448 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $52,932 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $59,566 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer 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:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 past customers.
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 Los Fresnos, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Los Fresnos?
The average cost of solar panels in Los Fresnos 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Los Fresnos have a net metering program?
Each state has some form 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 utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.