Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sweetwater, TX (2025 Update)
- Sweetwater Solar Installation Cost: $16,633
- 25-Year Savings: $35,873
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sweetwater
We go over average solar pricing in Sweetwater.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sweetwater it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Sweetwater, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,633, or $23,785 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $26,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sweetwater find going solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sweetwater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,954 |
| 3 years | $-11,596 |
| 5 years | $-8,238 |
| 7 years | $-4,879 |
| 9 years | $-1,521 |
| 11 years | $1,837 |
| 13 years | $5,195 |
| 15 years | $8,554 |
| 17 years | $11,912 |
| 19 years | $15,270 |
| 21 years | $18,629 |
| 23 years | $21,987 |
| 25 years | $25,345 |
Top Solar Installers in Sweetwater
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Sweetwater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sweetwater
While the average cost of a solar system in Sweetwater is $16,633, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems 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 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 $3,330.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Sweetwater, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Sweetwater homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sweetwater is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Sweetwater know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $26,915 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $36,260 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $45,791 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $55,509 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $65,413 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $75,504 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $85,781 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $96,245 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
EcoWatch's Sweetwater, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sweetwater?
The average cost of solar panels in Sweetwater is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sweetwater?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Sweetwater. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.