Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rio Bravo, TX (2023 Update)
- Rio Bravo Solar Installation Cost: $13,280
- 25-Year Savings: $27,179
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rio Bravo
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Rio Bravo.
In Rio Bravo, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Rio Bravo, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,275, or $18,983 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Rio Bravo depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Rio Bravo for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rio Bravo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,146 |
| 3 years | $-12,876 |
| 5 years | $-12,606 |
| 7 years | $-12,336 |
| 9 years | $-12,067 |
| 11 years | $-11,797 |
| 13 years | $-11,527 |
| 15 years | $-11,257 |
| 17 years | $-10,988 |
| 19 years | $-10,718 |
| 21 years | $-10,448 |
| 23 years | $-10,178 |
| 25 years | $-9,909 |
Top Solar Installers in Rio Bravo
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Rio Bravo, the EcoWatch team has 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 Rio Bravo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rio Bravo
There are many factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Rio Bravo, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rio Bravo to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Rio Bravo, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer 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
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.