Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Braunfels, TX (2023 Update)
- New Braunfels Solar Installation Cost: $14,179
- 25-Year Savings: $21,360
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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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.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in New Braunfels generally cost around 2.69. Because a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in New Braunfels, the average price of going solar will be about $14,179 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in New Braunfels based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in New Braunfels
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,757 |
| 3 years | $-9,914 |
| 5 years | $-7,071 |
| 7 years | $-4,228 |
| 9 years | $-1,385 |
| 11 years | $1,458 |
| 13 years | $4,301 |
| 15 years | $7,144 |
| 17 years | $9,987 |
| 19 years | $12,830 |
| 21 years | $15,673 |
| 23 years | $18,516 |
| 25 years | $21,360 |
Top Solar Installers in New Braunfels
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in New Braunfels, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for New Braunfels homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in New Braunfels is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has 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 | $16,576 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $22,403 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $28,380 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $34,508 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $40,787 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $47,216 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $53,796 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $60,527 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 New Braunfels, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in New Braunfels?
The average cost of solar panels in New Braunfels 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in New Braunfels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.