Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rio Grande City, TX (2023 Update)
- Rio Grande City Solar Installation Cost: $13,106
- 25-Year Savings: $22,653
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rio Grande City
We break down average solar pricing in Rio Grande City.
In Rio Grande City, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Rio Grande City, the average price of going solar will be about $13,106 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Rio Grande City depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rio Grande City find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rio Grande City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,675 |
| 3 years | $-8,815 |
| 5 years | $-5,954 |
| 7 years | $-3,093 |
| 9 years | $-233 |
| 11 years | $2,628 |
| 13 years | $5,489 |
| 15 years | $8,350 |
| 17 years | $11,210 |
| 19 years | $14,071 |
| 21 years | $16,932 |
| 23 years | $19,792 |
| 25 years | $22,653 |
Top Solar Installers in Rio Grande City
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Grande City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rio Grande City
For many Rio Grande City homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rio Grande City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Rio Grande City, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Rio Grande City, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Rio Grande City, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Rio Grande City, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Rio Grande City know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $19,060 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $25,715 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $32,521 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $39,477 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $46,583 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $53,841 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $61,249 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $68,807 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Grande City, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rio Grande City?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Rio Grande City?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,027.01 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Rio Grande City?
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 level 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.