Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lucas, TX (2023 Update)
- Lucas Solar Installation Cost: $14,556
- 25-Year Savings: $23,266
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lucas
We break down average solar pricing in Lucas.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lucas, the average cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Lucas is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,556 for a solar installation, or $20,815 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Lucas homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lucas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,043 |
| 3 years | $-10,017 |
| 5 years | $-6,991 |
| 7 years | $-3,966 |
| 9 years | $-940 |
| 11 years | $2,086 |
| 13 years | $5,112 |
| 15 years | $8,137 |
| 17 years | $11,163 |
| 19 years | $14,189 |
| 21 years | $17,214 |
| 23 years | $20,240 |
| 25 years | $23,266 |
Top Solar Installers in Lucas
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Lucas, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Lucas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lucas
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Lucas: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,690. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Lucas offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's a good idea 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Lucas, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $17,591 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,757 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $30,072 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,539 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $43,156 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,923 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $56,842 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $63,911 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Lucas, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lucas?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lucas?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Lucas, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 buy 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.