Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sweetwater, TX (2023 Update)
- Sweetwater Solar Installation Cost: $13,437
- 25-Year Savings: $35,873
- Payback Period: 6.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sweetwater
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Sweetwater.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sweetwater, the average cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Sweetwater, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,445, or $19,226 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Sweetwater depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Sweetwater homeowners see about $26,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Sweetwater that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sweetwater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,272 |
| 3 years | $-12,944 |
| 5 years | $-12,615 |
| 7 years | $-12,286 |
| 9 years | $-11,957 |
| 11 years | $-11,629 |
| 13 years | $-11,300 |
| 15 years | $-10,971 |
| 17 years | $-10,643 |
| 19 years | $-10,314 |
| 21 years | $-9,985 |
| 23 years | $-9,656 |
| 25 years | $-9,328 |
Top Solar Installers in Sweetwater
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Sweetwater, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Sweetwater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sweetwater
There are several criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Sweetwater, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Sweetwater, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When estimating 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 pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $29,711 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $39,916 | 6.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $50,271 | 6.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $60,777 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $71,434 | 6.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $82,242 | 6.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $93,200 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $104,309 | 6.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Sweetwater, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sweetwater?
The average cost of solar panels in Sweetwater 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sweetwater?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Sweetwater?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.