Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Benito, TX (Mar 2023)
- San Benito Solar Installation Cost: $13,294
- 25-Year Savings: $19,682
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Benito
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels 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. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in San Benito, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,294, or $19,010 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in San Benito find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in San Benito for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in San Benito
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,975 |
| 3 years | $-9,337 |
| 5 years | $-6,699 |
| 7 years | $-4,061 |
| 9 years | $-1,423 |
| 11 years | $1,215 |
| 13 years | $3,853 |
| 15 years | $6,491 |
| 17 years | $9,129 |
| 19 years | $11,767 |
| 21 years | $14,405 |
| 23 years | $17,043 |
| 25 years | $19,682 |
Top Solar Installers in San Benito
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 San Benito
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Benito
There are many factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,690. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the San Benito average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in San Benito have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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 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 real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in San Benito?
A solar panel system isn'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 you can take advantage of.
Does San Benito have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 electricity bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.