Solar Panel Cost Guide in Odessa, TX (2023 Update)
- Odessa Solar Installation Cost: $13,049
- 25-Year Savings: $24,139
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Odessa
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Odessa.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Odessa, the average cost of solar panels is 2.69 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $13,049 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Odessa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,562 |
| 3 years | $-8,587 |
| 5 years | $-5,612 |
| 7 years | $-2,637 |
| 9 years | $338 |
| 11 years | $3,313 |
| 13 years | $6,288 |
| 15 years | $9,263 |
| 17 years | $12,238 |
| 19 years | $15,213 |
| 21 years | $18,189 |
| 23 years | $21,164 |
| 25 years | $24,139 |
Top Solar Installers in Odessa
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar 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
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 Odessa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Odessa
The cost of installing a solar system in Odessa can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,690. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Odessa average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Odessa to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Odessa, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $20,460 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $27,581 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $34,853 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $42,275 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $49,848 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $57,572 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $65,447 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $73,472 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Odessa, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Odessa, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Odessa?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient 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 efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Odessa?
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 property 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 savings from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.