Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Braunfels, TX (2024 Update)
- New Braunfels Solar Installation Cost: $17,547
- 25-Year Savings: $21,364
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Braunfels
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in New Braunfels.
The average cost of a solar panel system in New Braunfels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $17,547 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average New Braunfels homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in New Braunfels
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,214 |
| 3 years | $-13,549 |
| 5 years | $-10,883 |
| 7 years | $-8,217 |
| 9 years | $-5,552 |
| 11 years | $-2,886 |
| 13 years | $-221 |
| 15 years | $2,445 |
| 17 years | $5,111 |
| 19 years | $7,776 |
| 21 years | $10,442 |
| 23 years | $13,107 |
| 25 years | $15,773 |
Top Solar Installers in New Braunfels
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 New Braunfels
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Braunfels
For many New Braunfels homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in New Braunfels, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in New Braunfels, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like New Braunfels, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in New Braunfels, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $13,781 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,747 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $23,900 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $29,240 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $34,766 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $40,478 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $46,377 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $52,463 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 New Braunfels, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in New Braunfels?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in New Braunfels?
Solar panels aren’t free in New Braunfels, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $944.21 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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.