Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rusk, TX (2024 Update)

  • Rusk Solar Installation Cost: $18,052
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,606
  • Payback Period: 12.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rusk

We break down average solar pricing in Rusk.

In Rusk, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Rusk is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,052 for a solar installation, or $25,814 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Rusk based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Rusk can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Rusk for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Rusk

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,631
3 years $-13,788
5 years $-10,946
7 years $-8,104
9 years $-5,262
11 years $-2,420
13 years $422
15 years $3,265
17 years $6,107
19 years $8,949
21 years $11,791
23 years $14,633
25 years $17,475

Top Solar Installers in Rusk

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Rusk:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

The cost of installing a solar system in Rusk can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Rusk, 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Rusk, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Rusk homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice 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 $3.46 $14,545 $14,267 12.6 years
8 kW $3.40 $19,021 $19,395 12.4 years
10 kW $3.33 $23,310 $24,710 12.1 years
12 kW $3.26 $27,413 $30,212 11.9 years
14 kW $3.20 $31,329 $35,900 11.7 years
16 kW $3.13 $35,058 $41,774 11.4 years
18 kW $3.06 $38,601 $47,835 11.2 years
20 kW $3.00 $41,958 $54,083 10.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Rusk, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rusk?

The average cost of solar panels in Rusk is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rusk?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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.

Does Rusk have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.

How long do solar panels last in Rusk?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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.

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