Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marlin, TX (2023 Update)

  • Marlin Solar Installation Cost: $14,311
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,060
  • Payback Period: 11.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marlin

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Marlin.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Marlin, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Marlin, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,311, or $20,465 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Marlin homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Marlin find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Marlin

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,056
3 years $-10,546
5 years $-8,037
7 years $-5,527
9 years $-3,017
11 years $-507
13 years $2,002
15 years $4,512
17 years $7,022
19 years $9,531
21 years $12,041
23 years $14,551
25 years $17,060

Top Solar Installers in Marlin

Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Marlin

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marlin

The cost of installing a solar system in Marlin can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,690. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Marlin average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Marlin to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. It's a good idea to add 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Marlin, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 $2.80 $11,750 $13,029 11.9 years
8 kW $2.74 $15,365 $17,674 11.6 years
10 kW $2.69 $18,830 $22,469 11.4 years
12 kW $2.64 $22,144 $27,414 11.2 years
14 kW $2.58 $25,308 $32,511 10.9 years
16 kW $2.53 $28,320 $37,758 10.7 years
18 kW $2.47 $31,182 $43,155 10.5 years
20 kW $2.42 $33,894 $48,703 10.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind 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.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Marlin, TX Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Marlin?

The average cost of solar panels in Marlin 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Marlin?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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 get the most savings.

How will having solar panels impact my property value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Marlin is currently $58,400, which means you could be looking at a value of about $2,394 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Marlin is a rewarding investment.

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 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.

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