Solar Panel Cost Guide in Selma, TX (2024 Update)
- Selma Solar Installation Cost: $17,520
- 25-Year Savings: $23,557
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Selma
We go over average solar pricing in Selma.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Selma is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $17,520 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Selma for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Selma
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,192 |
| 3 years | $-13,537 |
| 5 years | $-10,882 |
| 7 years | $-8,226 |
| 9 years | $-5,571 |
| 11 years | $-2,915 |
| 13 years | $-260 |
| 15 years | $2,396 |
| 17 years | $5,051 |
| 19 years | $7,707 |
| 21 years | $10,362 |
| 23 years | $13,018 |
| 25 years | $15,673 |
Top Solar Installers in Selma
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Selma:
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 Selma
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Selma
The cost of installing a solar system in Selma can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Selma, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Most solar companies in Selma have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Selma’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $15,557 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $21,116 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $26,861 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $32,793 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $38,911 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $45,216 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $51,707 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $58,385 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected 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 do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Selma, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Selma?
The average cost of solar panels in Selma is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 amount 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.