Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Alamo, TX (2023 Update)
- South Alamo Solar Installation Cost: $13,388
- 25-Year Savings: $17,670
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Alamo
We break down average solar pricing in South Alamo.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Alamo it's 2.69 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in South Alamo, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,388, or $19,145 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average South Alamo homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in South Alamo, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Alamo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,146 |
| 3 years | $-9,661 |
| 5 years | $-7,177 |
| 7 years | $-4,692 |
| 9 years | $-2,207 |
| 11 years | $277 |
| 13 years | $2,762 |
| 15 years | $5,247 |
| 17 years | $7,731 |
| 19 years | $10,216 |
| 21 years | $12,701 |
| 23 years | $15,185 |
| 25 years | $17,670 |
Top Solar Installers in South Alamo
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 South Alamo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Alamo
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,690 per kilowatt in South Alamo. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many South Alamo homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. South Alamo's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in South Alamo have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $14,460 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $19,582 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $24,854 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $30,277 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $35,850 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $41,574 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $47,449 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $53,474 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in South Alamo, 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:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 South Alamo, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Alamo?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Alamo?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in South Alamo is currently $62,500, so you can look forward to a value of about $2,562 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in South Alamo is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.