Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smithville, TX (2023 Update)
- Smithville Solar Installation Cost: $14,235
- 25-Year Savings: $25,699
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smithville
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Smithville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Smithville it's 2.69 per watt. Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Smithville, the average price of going solar will be about $14,235 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Smithville homeowner. The price 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. With typical savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Smithville find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Smithville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Smithville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,638 |
| 3 years | $-9,443 |
| 5 years | $-6,249 |
| 7 years | $-3,054 |
| 9 years | $141 |
| 11 years | $3,336 |
| 13 years | $6,530 |
| 15 years | $9,725 |
| 17 years | $12,920 |
| 19 years | $16,115 |
| 21 years | $19,309 |
| 23 years | $22,504 |
| 25 years | $25,699 |
Top Solar Installers in Smithville
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Smithville:
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 Smithville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smithville
There are several criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use 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 $2,690. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Smithville to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Smithville is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Smithville know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 | $19,948 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $26,899 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $34,000 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $41,252 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $48,655 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $56,208 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $63,912 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $71,766 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- 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 kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Smithville, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Smithville?
The average cost of solar panels in Smithville is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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 aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Smithville?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.