Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Marcos, TX (2023 Update)
- San Marcos Solar Installation Cost: $14,190
- 25-Year Savings: $23,336
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Marcos
We go over average solar pricing in San Marcos.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in San Marcos it's 2.69 per watt. The average San Marcos homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,198 with the federal tax credit, or $20,303 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average San Marcos homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in San Marcos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,065 |
| 3 years | $-13,815 |
| 5 years | $-13,565 |
| 7 years | $-13,315 |
| 9 years | $-13,065 |
| 11 years | $-12,814 |
| 13 years | $-12,564 |
| 15 years | $-12,314 |
| 17 years | $-12,064 |
| 19 years | $-11,814 |
| 21 years | $-11,564 |
| 23 years | $-11,313 |
| 25 years | $-11,063 |
Top Solar Installers in San Marcos
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar company 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
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 Marcos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Marcos
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar system 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in San Marcos is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in San Marcos are more knowledgeable 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 | $18,127 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $24,471 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $30,966 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $37,611 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $44,406 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $51,353 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $58,450 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $65,697 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Marcos, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Marcos?
The average cost of solar panels in San Marcos 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in San Marcos?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout San Marcos, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in San Marcos?
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 larger 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.