Solar Panel Cost Guide in Round Rock, TX (Mar 2023)
- Round Rock Solar Installation Cost: $14,198
- 25-Year Savings: $22,416
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Round Rock
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Round Rock.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Round Rock it's 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Round Rock is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,198 for a solar installation, or $20,303 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Round Rock depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average Round Rock homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Round Rock for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Round Rock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,733 |
| 3 years | $-9,804 |
| 5 years | $-6,875 |
| 7 years | $-3,946 |
| 9 years | $-1,017 |
| 11 years | $1,912 |
| 13 years | $4,841 |
| 15 years | $7,771 |
| 17 years | $10,700 |
| 19 years | $13,629 |
| 21 years | $16,558 |
| 23 years | $19,487 |
| 25 years | $22,416 |
Top Solar Installers in Round Rock
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Round Rock, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Round Rock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Round Rock
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Round Rock: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Round Rock, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, 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 affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose 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
Most solar companies in Round Rock offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Round Rock homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Round Rock, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 fits within 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 | $17,372 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,464 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,707 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,100 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,644 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,339 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $56,184 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $63,180 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- 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 install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done 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 (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 Round Rock, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Round Rock?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or more efficient 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 less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Round Rock?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.