Solar Panel Cost Guide in Robinson, TX (Mar 2023)
- Robinson Solar Installation Cost: $14,292
- 25-Year Savings: $17,079
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Robinson
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Robinson.
In Robinson, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. The average Robinson homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,292 with the federal tax credit, or $20,438 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Robinson homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Robinson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,037 |
| 3 years | $-10,527 |
| 5 years | $-8,018 |
| 7 years | $-5,508 |
| 9 years | $-2,998 |
| 11 years | $-489 |
| 13 years | $2,021 |
| 15 years | $4,531 |
| 17 years | $7,040 |
| 19 years | $9,550 |
| 21 years | $12,060 |
| 23 years | $14,570 |
| 25 years | $17,079 |
Top Solar Installers in Robinson
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Robinson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Robinson
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Robinson: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,690. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Robinson homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. Robinson's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $13,059 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $17,713 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $22,518 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $27,473 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $32,579 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $37,836 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $43,243 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $48,801 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Robinson, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Robinson?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Robinson?
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 don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Robinson?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.