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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange

We break down average solar pricing in Orange.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Orange typically cost around 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.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Orange homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.

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

Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Orange

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orange

Though the average cost of a solar system in Orange is $17,794, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,330. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Orange average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Orange homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Orange, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

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

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on 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:

  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Orange, TX Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Orange?

The average cost of solar panels in Orange is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Orange?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Orange. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt 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 a solar system."

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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.

Follow us