Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prairie View, TX (2023 Update)
- Prairie View Solar Installation Cost: $14,405
- 25-Year Savings: $23,555
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prairie View
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Prairie View.
In Prairie View, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. The average Prairie View homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,405 with the federal tax credit, or $20,599 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Prairie View homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Prairie View can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Prairie View
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,887 |
| 3 years | $-9,850 |
| 5 years | $-6,813 |
| 7 years | $-3,776 |
| 9 years | $-740 |
| 11 years | $2,297 |
| 13 years | $5,334 |
| 15 years | $8,371 |
| 17 years | $11,408 |
| 19 years | $14,444 |
| 21 years | $17,481 |
| 23 years | $20,518 |
| 25 years | $23,555 |
Top Solar Installers in Prairie View
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Prairie View, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary 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 cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,690 per kilowatt in Prairie View. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Prairie View homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Prairie View is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $18,033 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $24,346 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $30,809 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $37,422 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $44,186 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $51,101 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $58,167 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $65,383 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Prairie View, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Prairie View?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Prairie View?
Solar panels aren't free in Prairie View, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Prairie View is currently $172,666, which means you can expect a value of about $7,079 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Prairie View is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.