Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sweeny, TX (Mar 2023)
- Sweeny Solar Installation Cost: $13,746
- 25-Year Savings: $23,880
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sweeny
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sweeny.
In Sweeny, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $13,746 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sweeny find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sweeny
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,241 |
| 3 years | $-9,231 |
| 5 years | $-6,221 |
| 7 years | $-3,211 |
| 9 years | $-201 |
| 11 years | $2,809 |
| 13 years | $5,819 |
| 15 years | $8,830 |
| 17 years | $11,840 |
| 19 years | $14,850 |
| 21 years | $17,860 |
| 23 years | $20,870 |
| 25 years | $23,880 |
Top Solar Installers in Sweeny
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you're not certain 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.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Sweeny
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sweeny
For many Sweeny homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sweeny, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sweeny, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $19,180 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $25,875 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $32,720 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $39,716 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $46,862 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $54,159 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $61,607 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $69,206 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Sweeny, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sweeny?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sweeny?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sweeny. 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 Sweeny?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.