Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stafford, TX (2024 Update)
- Stafford Solar Installation Cost: $17,781
- 25-Year Savings: $22,824
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stafford
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Stafford.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Stafford typically cost about 3.Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Stafford, the average price of going solar will be about $17,781 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Stafford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stafford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,952 |
| 3 years | $-12,292 |
| 5 years | $-8,633 |
| 7 years | $-4,974 |
| 9 years | $-1,315 |
| 11 years | $2,344 |
| 13 years | $6,003 |
| 15 years | $9,662 |
| 17 years | $13,322 |
| 19 years | $16,981 |
| 21 years | $20,640 |
| 23 years | $24,299 |
| 25 years | $27,958 |
Top Solar Installers in Stafford
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Stafford:
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 Stafford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stafford
For many Stafford homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Stafford, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need 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 kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Stafford average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Stafford, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $14,705 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,980 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,441 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $31,088 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,922 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,943 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $49,150 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $55,544 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Stafford, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stafford?
The average cost of solar panels in Stafford 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Stafford?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Stafford. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Stafford?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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 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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.