Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockdale, TX (2023 Update)
- Rockdale Solar Installation Cost: $14,225
- 25-Year Savings: $20,915
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockdale
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Rockdale.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rockdale generally cost around 2.69. The average Rockdale homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,217 with the federal tax credit, or $20,330 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Rockdale based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Rockdale homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,927 |
| 3 years | $-10,330 |
| 5 years | $-7,733 |
| 7 years | $-5,136 |
| 9 years | $-2,538 |
| 11 years | $59 |
| 13 years | $2,656 |
| 15 years | $5,253 |
| 17 years | $7,850 |
| 19 years | $10,447 |
| 21 years | $13,044 |
| 23 years | $15,642 |
| 25 years | $18,239 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockdale
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Rockdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockdale
There are several 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 does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy 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 largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Rockdale offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases 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 operating throughout Rockdale, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $16,159 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $21,847 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $27,685 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $33,674 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $39,813 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $46,103 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $52,544 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $59,136 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Rockdale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Rockdale, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rockdale?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, 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 Rockdale?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Rockdale, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.