Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Benito, TX (2023 Update)
- San Benito Solar Installation Cost: $13,287
- 25-Year Savings: $19,688
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Benito
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in San Benito.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in San Benito typically cost about 2.69. The average San Benito homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,294 with the federal tax credit, or $19,010 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in San Benito depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in San Benito can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in San Benito
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,846 |
| 3 years | $-8,963 |
| 5 years | $-6,080 |
| 7 years | $-3,198 |
| 9 years | $-315 |
| 11 years | $2,568 |
| 13 years | $5,451 |
| 15 years | $8,334 |
| 17 years | $11,217 |
| 19 years | $14,099 |
| 21 years | $16,982 |
| 23 years | $19,865 |
| 25 years | $22,748 |
Top Solar Installers in San Benito
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another great thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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
See all of the solar companies in San Benito
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Benito
Although the average cost of a solar system in San Benito is $13,294, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like San Benito, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in San Benito offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $16,288 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $22,019 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $27,900 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $33,932 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $40,115 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $46,448 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $52,932 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $59,566 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in San Benito, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as 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
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 San Benito, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in San Benito?
The average cost of solar panels in San Benito is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in San Benito?
Solar panels aren't free in San Benito, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in San Benito is currently $59,600, which means you could be looking at a value of about $2,444 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in San Benito is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in San Benito?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production 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.