Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Marcos, TX (2024 Update)
- San Marcos Solar Installation Cost: $17,567
- 25-Year Savings: $23,336
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Marcos
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in San Marcos.
The average cost of a solar panel system in San Marcos is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $17,567 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in San Marcos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,226 |
| 3 years | $-13,546 |
| 5 years | $-10,866 |
| 7 years | $-8,186 |
| 9 years | $-5,505 |
| 11 years | $-2,825 |
| 13 years | $-145 |
| 15 years | $2,536 |
| 17 years | $5,216 |
| 19 years | $7,896 |
| 21 years | $10,577 |
| 23 years | $13,257 |
| 25 years | $15,937 |
Top Solar Installers in San Marcos
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in San Marcos, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in San Marcos: 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 Marcos, one of the most crucial 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like San Marcos, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in San Marcos, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in San Marcos, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,332 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $20,816 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $26,486 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $32,342 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $38,385 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $44,615 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $51,031 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $57,633 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in San Marcos?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in San Marcos?
Solar panels aren’t free in San Marcos, 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.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $995.91 per year.
How long do solar panels last in San Marcos?
Although 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 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.