Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Benito, TX (2024 Update)

  • San Benito Solar Installation Cost: $16,449
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,688
  • Payback Period: 12.5 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 San Benito

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in San Benito.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in San Benito it’s 3 per watt.The average San Benito homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,449 with the federal tax credit, or $23,522 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average San Benito homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average San Benito homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in San Benito for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in San Benito

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,007
3 years $-12,124
5 years $-9,242
7 years $-6,359
9 years $-3,476
11 years $-593
13 years $2,290
15 years $5,173
17 years $8,055
19 years $10,938
21 years $13,821
23 years $16,704
25 years $19,587

Top Solar Installers in San Benito

Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

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 San Benito

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Benito

For many San Benito homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in San Benito, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the San Benito average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in San Benito to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in San Benito is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in San Benito are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $13,493 13.0 years
8 kW $3.40 $19,021 $18,363 12.7 years
10 kW $3.33 $23,310 $23,420 12.5 years
12 kW $3.26 $27,413 $28,664 12.2 years
14 kW $3.20 $31,329 $34,093 12.0 years
16 kW $3.13 $35,058 $39,710 11.7 years
18 kW $3.06 $38,601 $45,513 11.5 years
20 kW $3.00 $41,958 $51,502 11.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your installer 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 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 $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Installing solar panels on 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 $122,594, which means you could be looking at a value of about $5,026 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 rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in San Benito?

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