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.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in San Marcos generally cost about 3.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 how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average San Marcos homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in San Marcos for a quote for your home.
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 opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in San Marcos, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in San Marcos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Marcos
The cost of installing a solar system in San Marcos can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require 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.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only 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 out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout San Marcos, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in San Marcos know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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 good reviews from past customers.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's San Marcos, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Marcos?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in San Marcos?
You can’t get solar panels for free in San Marcos. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.