Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plano, TX (2023 Update)
- Plano Solar Installation Cost: $14,491
- 25-Year Savings: $23,510
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plano
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Plano.
The average cost of a solar system in Plano is 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Plano is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,499 for a solar installation, or $20,734 before the 30% 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 choose, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Plano that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Plano
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,364 |
| 3 years | $-14,111 |
| 5 years | $-13,858 |
| 7 years | $-13,604 |
| 9 years | $-13,351 |
| 11 years | $-13,098 |
| 13 years | $-12,844 |
| 15 years | $-12,591 |
| 17 years | $-12,338 |
| 19 years | $-12,084 |
| 21 years | $-11,831 |
| 23 years | $-11,578 |
| 25 years | $-11,324 |
Top Solar Installers in Plano
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer 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 Plano
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plano
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Plano: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 nearly $2,690. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Plano average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Plano, which can reduce, or in some cases completely 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $17,878 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $24,138 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $30,549 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $37,111 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $43,824 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $50,687 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $57,700 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $64,865 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-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 Plano, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plano?
The average cost of solar panels in Plano is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Plano?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.