Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prairie View, TX (2024 Update)
- Prairie View Solar Installation Cost: $17,825
- 25-Year Savings: $23,560
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prairie View
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Prairie View.
In Prairie View, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Prairie View is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,825 for a solar installation, or $25,490 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Prairie View
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,350 |
| 3 years | $-13,399 |
| 5 years | $-10,448 |
| 7 years | $-7,496 |
| 9 years | $-4,545 |
| 11 years | $-1,594 |
| 13 years | $1,357 |
| 15 years | $4,308 |
| 17 years | $7,259 |
| 19 years | $10,210 |
| 21 years | $13,161 |
| 23 years | $16,113 |
| 25 years | $19,064 |
Top Solar Installers in Prairie View
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Prairie View
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prairie View
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Prairie View: 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 cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Prairie View homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Prairie View homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $15,238 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $20,690 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $26,329 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $32,154 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $38,165 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $44,363 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $50,748 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $57,319 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Prairie View, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
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 Prairie View, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Prairie View?
The average cost of solar panels in Prairie View 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Prairie View?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Prairie View. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Prairie View, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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 household 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.