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

  • San Carlos Solar Installation Cost: $16,573
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,670
  • Payback Period: 13.3 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 Carlos

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in San Carlos.

The average cost of a solar panel system in San Carlos is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $16,573 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in San Carlos based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average San Carlos homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

To get a free quote from a top solar company in San Carlos, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in San Carlos

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,330
3 years $-12,846
5 years $-10,362
7 years $-7,878
9 years $-5,394
11 years $-2,910
13 years $-426
15 years $2,058
17 years $4,542
19 years $7,026
21 years $9,511
23 years $11,995
25 years $14,479

Top Solar Installers in San Carlos

Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

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

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 Carlos

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Carlos

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in San Carlos: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in San Carlos, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. San Carlos’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 $11,665 13.9 years
8 kW $3.40 $19,021 $15,926 13.6 years
10 kW $3.33 $23,310 $20,374 13.3 years
12 kW $3.26 $27,413 $25,008 13.1 years
14 kW $3.20 $31,329 $29,829 12.8 years
16 kW $3.13 $35,058 $34,836 12.5 years
18 kW $3.06 $38,601 $40,030 12.3 years
20 kW $3.00 $41,958 $45,410 12.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.

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 Carlos, TX Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Carlos?

The average cost of solar panels in San Carlos 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in San Carlos?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in San Carlos?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger 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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