Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stephenville, TX (2023 Update)
- Stephenville Solar Installation Cost: $14,047
- 25-Year Savings: $15,822
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stephenville
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Stephenville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Stephenville it's 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Stephenville is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,047 for a solar installation, or $20,087 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. With typical savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stephenville find going solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stephenville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,852 |
| 3 years | $-10,463 |
| 5 years | $-8,073 |
| 7 years | $-5,684 |
| 9 years | $-3,294 |
| 11 years | $-905 |
| 13 years | $1,485 |
| 15 years | $3,875 |
| 17 years | $6,264 |
| 19 years | $8,654 |
| 21 years | $11,043 |
| 23 years | $13,433 |
| 25 years | $15,822 |
Top Solar Installers in Stephenville
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 an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are several 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 Stephenville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stephenville
The cost of installing a solar system in Stephenville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,690 per kilowatt in Stephenville. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Stephenville, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Stephenville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $12,290 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $16,688 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $21,236 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $25,936 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $30,785 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $35,786 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $40,937 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $46,239 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Stephenville, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stephenville?
The average cost of solar panels in Stephenville 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Stephenville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
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 Stephenville is currently $157,303, so you can look forward to a value of about $6,449 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Stephenville is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.