Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rusk, TX (2023 Update)
- Rusk Solar Installation Cost: $14,574
- 25-Year Savings: $22,613
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rusk
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Rusk.
The average cost of solar panels in Rusk is 2.69 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $14,574 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Rusk homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Rusk see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Rusk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,087 |
| 3 years | $-10,112 |
| 5 years | $-7,137 |
| 7 years | $-4,162 |
| 9 years | $-1,187 |
| 11 years | $1,788 |
| 13 years | $4,763 |
| 15 years | $7,738 |
| 17 years | $10,713 |
| 19 years | $13,688 |
| 21 years | $16,663 |
| 23 years | $19,638 |
| 25 years | $22,613 |
Top Solar Installers in Rusk
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Rusk, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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
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 Rusk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rusk
While the average cost of a solar system in Rusk is $14,574, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need 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 increase or decrease 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Rusk, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Rusk homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Rusk's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $17,062 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,051 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,190 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $35,480 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $41,921 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $48,512 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $55,254 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $62,147 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Rusk, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Rusk, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rusk?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Rusk?
You can't get solar panels for free in Rusk. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
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 Rusk is currently $91,800, so you can expect a value of about $3,764 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rusk is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Rusk?
Even 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 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.