Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainview, TX (2024 Update)
- Plainview Solar Installation Cost: $16,458
- 25-Year Savings: $16,447
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plainview
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Plainview.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Plainview, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $16,458 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Plainview see about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plainview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,142 |
| 3 years | $-12,509 |
| 5 years | $-9,877 |
| 7 years | $-7,244 |
| 9 years | $-4,612 |
| 11 years | $-1,980 |
| 13 years | $653 |
| 15 years | $3,285 |
| 17 years | $5,918 |
| 19 years | $8,550 |
| 21 years | $11,182 |
| 23 years | $13,815 |
| 25 years | $16,447 |
Top Solar Installers in Plainview
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Plainview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainview
For many Plainview homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Plainview, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Plainview, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Plainview to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Plainview homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $20,955 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $28,314 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $35,858 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $43,589 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $51,507 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $59,611 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $67,901 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $76,378 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Plainview, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plainview?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-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.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.