Solar Panel Cost Guide in Selma, TX (2023 Update)
- Selma Solar Installation Cost: $17,520
- 25-Year Savings: $23,557
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Selma
We go over average solar pricing in Selma.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Selma, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Selma, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,520, or $25,054 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Selma homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large initial cost, the average Selma homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installation company in Selma, you can click the button below.
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
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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
See all of the solar companies in Selma
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Selma
Though the average cost of a solar system in Selma is $17,520, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Selma to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Selma, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it 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.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model 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.
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 Selma, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 opt to replace them after having 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.