Solar Panel Cost Guide in Palacios, TX (2023 Update)
- Palacios Solar Installation Cost: $13,294
- 25-Year Savings: $24,554
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Palacios
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Palacios.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Palacios it's 2.69 per watt. The average Palacios homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,294 with the federal tax credit, or $19,010 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember 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 system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $20,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Palacios find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Palacios for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Palacios
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,780 |
| 3 years | $-8,752 |
| 5 years | $-5,724 |
| 7 years | $-2,696 |
| 9 years | $331 |
| 11 years | $3,359 |
| 13 years | $6,387 |
| 15 years | $9,415 |
| 17 years | $12,443 |
| 19 years | $15,471 |
| 21 years | $18,499 |
| 23 years | $21,526 |
| 25 years | $24,554 |
Top Solar Installers in Palacios
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations 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 Palacios
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Palacios
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Palacios: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $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 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 over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Palacios average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Palacios have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Palacios, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $20,405 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $27,508 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $34,762 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $42,166 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $49,721 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $57,426 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $65,282 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $73,289 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation 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:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Palacios, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Palacios?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Palacios?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Palacios?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Palacios?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.