Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange, TX (2024 Update)
- Orange Solar Installation Cost: $17,794
- 25-Year Savings: $14,670
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange
We break down average solar pricing in Orange.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Orange typically cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Orange is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,794 for a solar installation, or $25,445 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 exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Orange homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Orange
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,496 |
| 3 years | $-13,899 |
| 5 years | $-11,302 |
| 7 years | $-8,704 |
| 9 years | $-6,107 |
| 11 years | $-3,510 |
| 13 years | $-913 |
| 15 years | $1,684 |
| 17 years | $4,281 |
| 19 years | $6,878 |
| 21 years | $9,475 |
| 23 years | $12,073 |
| 25 years | $14,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Orange
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another good thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Orange
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orange
For many Orange homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Orange, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably 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 going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Orange average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Orange, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Orange, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Orange know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $13,215 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $17,992 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $22,957 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,108 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $33,445 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $38,969 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $44,679 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $50,576 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Orange, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Orange?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 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 usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Orange?
Solar panels aren’t free in Orange, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, 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 will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Orange is currently $163,098, so you can expect a value of about $6,687 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Orange is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Orange?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.