Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mcallen, TX (2023 Update)
- Mcallen Solar Installation Cost: $13,388
- 25-Year Savings: $17,670
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mcallen
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Mcallen.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mcallen, the average cost of solar panels is 2.69 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Mcallen, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,388, or $19,145 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Mcallen can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Mcallen that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mcallen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,146 |
| 3 years | $-9,661 |
| 5 years | $-7,177 |
| 7 years | $-4,692 |
| 9 years | $-2,207 |
| 11 years | $277 |
| 13 years | $2,762 |
| 15 years | $5,247 |
| 17 years | $7,731 |
| 19 years | $10,216 |
| 21 years | $12,701 |
| 23 years | $15,185 |
| 25 years | $17,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Mcallen
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Mcallen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mcallen
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Mcallen is $13,388, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, 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 around $2,690. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Mcallen, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Mcallen provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Mcallen homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Mcallen, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $14,460 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $19,582 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $24,854 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $30,277 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $35,850 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $41,574 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $47,449 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $53,474 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- 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 model 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 making your decision.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Mcallen, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mcallen?
The average cost of solar panels in Mcallen 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Mcallen is currently $109,903, so you could be looking at a value of about $4,506 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Mcallen is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.