Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Marcos, TX (2023 Update)
- San Marcos Solar Installation Cost: $14,198
- 25-Year Savings: $23,329
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Marcos
We break down 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. Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $14,198 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in San Marcos based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, 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 installer in San Marcos for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in San Marcos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,697 |
| 3 years | $-9,695 |
| 5 years | $-6,692 |
| 7 years | $-3,690 |
| 9 years | $-688 |
| 11 years | $2,314 |
| 13 years | $5,316 |
| 15 years | $8,318 |
| 17 years | $11,320 |
| 19 years | $14,323 |
| 21 years | $17,325 |
| 23 years | $20,327 |
| 25 years | $23,329 |
Top Solar Installers in San Marcos
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Marcos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Marcos
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar panel 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 type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the San Marcos average.
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 completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for San Marcos homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in 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 take advantage 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 | $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
There are a lot of companies available in San Marcos, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Marcos, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in San Marcos?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
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 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.