Solar Panel Cost Guide in Midlothian, TX (Mar 2023)
- Midlothian Solar Installation Cost: $14,405
- 25-Year Savings: $22,783
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Midlothian
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Midlothian.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Midlothian is 2.69 per watt. The average Midlothian homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,405 with the federal tax credit, or $20,599 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Midlothian homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Midlothian, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Midlothian
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,917 |
| 3 years | $-9,942 |
| 5 years | $-6,967 |
| 7 years | $-3,992 |
| 9 years | $-1,017 |
| 11 years | $1,958 |
| 13 years | $4,933 |
| 15 years | $7,908 |
| 17 years | $10,883 |
| 19 years | $13,858 |
| 21 years | $16,833 |
| 23 years | $19,808 |
| 25 years | $22,783 |
Top Solar Installers in Midlothian
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Midlothian, the EcoWatch team has 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 Midlothian
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Midlothian
Although the average cost of a solar system in Midlothian is $14,405, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Midlothian, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Midlothian homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Midlothian, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $17,430 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,541 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,803 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,215 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,778 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,492 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $56,356 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $63,371 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking 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 such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Midlothian, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Midlothian?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Midlothian?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Midlothian have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.