Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Carlos, TX (Mar 2023)
- San Carlos Solar Installation Cost: $13,388
- 25-Year Savings: $17,670
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Carlos
We break down average solar pricing in San Carlos.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in San Carlos it's 2.69 per watt. Since a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in San Carlos, the average price of going solar will be about $13,388 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average San Carlos homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in San Carlos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,146 |
| 3 years | $-9,661 |
| 5 years | $-7,177 |
| 7 years | $-4,692 |
| 9 years | $-2,207 |
| 11 years | $277 |
| 13 years | $2,762 |
| 15 years | $5,247 |
| 17 years | $7,731 |
| 19 years | $10,216 |
| 21 years | $12,701 |
| 23 years | $15,185 |
| 25 years | $17,670 |
Top Solar Installers in San Carlos
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Carlos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Carlos
The cost of installing a solar system in San Carlos can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in San Carlos, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in San Carlos to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in San Carlos is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in San Carlos have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $14,460 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $19,582 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $24,854 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $30,277 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $35,850 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $41,574 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $47,449 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $53,474 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in San Carlos, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Carlos, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in San Carlos?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in San Carlos?
A solar panel system isn't free in San Carlos, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $873.68 per year.
How long do solar panels last in San Carlos?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.