Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rio Grande City, TX (2024 Update)

  • Rio Grande City Solar Installation Cost: $16,232
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,646
  • Payback Period: 11.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rio Grande City

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Rio Grande City.

In Rio Grande City, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Rio Grande City, the average price of going solar will be about $16,232 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Rio Grande City based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Rio Grande City

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,990
3 years $-12,506
5 years $-10,022
7 years $-7,538
9 years $-5,054
11 years $-2,570
13 years $-85
15 years $2,399
17 years $4,883
19 years $7,367
21 years $9,851
23 years $12,335
25 years $14,819

Top Solar Installers in Rio Grande City

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

There are many criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,330. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just 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 Grande City to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Rio Grande City, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 $3.46 $14,545 $16,265 11.8 years
8 kW $3.40 $19,021 $22,060 11.6 years
10 kW $3.33 $23,310 $28,041 11.3 years
12 kW $3.26 $27,413 $34,208 11.1 years
14 kW $3.20 $31,329 $40,562 10.9 years
16 kW $3.13 $35,058 $47,103 10.7 years
18 kW $3.06 $38,601 $53,830 10.4 years
20 kW $3.00 $41,958 $60,743 10.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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?

The average cost of solar panels in Rio Grande City 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in Rio Grande City?

Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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