Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scenic Oaks, TX (Mar 2023)

  • Scenic Oaks Solar Installation Cost: $14,104
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,912
  • Payback Period: 9.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Scenic Oaks

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Scenic Oaks.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Scenic Oaks generally cost around 2.69. The average Scenic Oaks homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,104 with the federal tax credit, or $20,169 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Scenic Oaks depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Scenic Oaks find investing in solar can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Scenic Oaks

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,623
3 years $-9,662
5 years $-6,701
7 years $-3,739
9 years $-778
11 years $2,183
13 years $5,144
15 years $8,106
17 years $11,067
19 years $14,028
21 years $16,989
23 years $19,951
25 years $22,912

Top Solar Installers in Scenic Oaks

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and know-how. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another advantage of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 (coming 2022)

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 Scenic Oaks

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scenic Oaks

For many Scenic Oaks homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Scenic Oaks, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,690. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Scenic Oaks average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Scenic Oaks, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. 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 lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Scenic Oaks are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 $17,889 9.9 years
8 kW $2.74 $15,365 $24,153 9.7 years
10 kW $2.69 $18,830 $30,568 9.5 years
12 kW $2.64 $22,144 $37,133 9.3 years
14 kW $2.58 $25,308 $43,849 9.1 years
16 kW $2.53 $28,320 $50,716 9.0 years
18 kW $2.47 $31,182 $57,734 8.8 years
20 kW $2.42 $33,894 $64,902 8.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Scenic Oaks, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
  • Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.

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 (coming 2022)

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 Scenic Oaks, TX Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scenic Oaks?

This is a hard 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Scenic Oaks?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

Does Scenic Oaks have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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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