Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockdale, TX (2024 Update)
- Rockdale Solar Installation Cost: $17,610
- 25-Year Savings: $20,915
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockdale
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Rockdale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rockdale it’s 3 per watt.Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Rockdale, the average price of going solar will be about $17,610 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Rockdale homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Rockdale can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Rockdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,311 |
| 3 years | $-13,714 |
| 5 years | $-11,117 |
| 7 years | $-8,520 |
| 9 years | $-5,923 |
| 11 years | $-3,326 |
| 13 years | $-729 |
| 15 years | $1,869 |
| 17 years | $4,466 |
| 19 years | $7,063 |
| 21 years | $9,660 |
| 23 years | $12,257 |
| 25 years | $14,854 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockdale
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Rockdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockdale
There are a number of criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Rockdale, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Rockdale homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Rockdale’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $13,363 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,191 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $23,205 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,405 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $33,792 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $39,365 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $45,125 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $51,072 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Rockdale, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rockdale?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Rockdale is currently $223,846, so you can expect a value of about $9,178 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rockdale is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.