Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rio Bravo, TX (Mar 2023)
- Rio Bravo Solar Installation Cost: $13,275
- 25-Year Savings: $27,184
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rio Bravo
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Rio Bravo.
The average cost of solar panels in Rio Bravo is 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Rio Bravo is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,275 for a solar installation, or $18,983 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Rio Bravo can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rio Bravo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,657 |
| 3 years | $-8,420 |
| 5 years | $-5,183 |
| 7 years | $-1,946 |
| 9 years | $1,290 |
| 11 years | $4,527 |
| 13 years | $7,764 |
| 15 years | $11,001 |
| 17 years | $14,237 |
| 19 years | $17,474 |
| 21 years | $20,711 |
| 23 years | $23,948 |
| 25 years | $27,184 |
Top Solar Installers in Rio Bravo
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Rio Bravo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rio Bravo
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Rio Bravo: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Rio Bravo, 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rio Bravo to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Rio Bravo is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. 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 access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $22,670 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $30,528 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $38,536 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $46,695 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $55,005 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $63,466 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $72,077 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $80,838 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds 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 consider, such as:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar 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 (coming 2022)
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 Rio Bravo, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rio Bravo?
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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rio Bravo?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Rio Bravo?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.