Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Braunfels, TX (2023 Update)
- New Braunfels Solar Installation Cost: $14,175
- 25-Year Savings: $21,364
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Braunfels
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in New Braunfels.
The average cost of a solar system in New Braunfels is 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in New Braunfels is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,179 for a solar installation, or $20,276 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free 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 | $-14,056 |
| 3 years | $-13,819 |
| 5 years | $-13,582 |
| 7 years | $-13,345 |
| 9 years | $-13,108 |
| 11 years | $-12,872 |
| 13 years | $-12,635 |
| 15 years | $-12,398 |
| 17 years | $-12,161 |
| 19 years | $-11,924 |
| 21 years | $-11,687 |
| 23 years | $-11,450 |
| 25 years | $-11,213 |
Top Solar Installers in New Braunfels
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 New Braunfels
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Braunfels
Even though the average cost of a solar system in New Braunfels is $14,179, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,690. The type 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the New Braunfels average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in New Braunfels, 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 promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $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
There are a lot of companies available in New Braunfels, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
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 difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 how much 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.