Solar Panel Cost Guide in Taylor, TX (2023 Update)
- Taylor Solar Installation Cost: $14,176
- 25-Year Savings: $20,558
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Taylor
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Taylor.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Taylor, the average cost of solar panels is 2.69 per watt. The average Taylor homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,179 with the federal tax credit, or $20,276 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Taylor homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Taylor, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Taylor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,060 |
| 3 years | $-13,829 |
| 5 years | $-13,597 |
| 7 years | $-13,366 |
| 9 years | $-13,134 |
| 11 years | $-12,902 |
| 13 years | $-12,671 |
| 15 years | $-12,439 |
| 17 years | $-12,208 |
| 19 years | $-11,976 |
| 21 years | $-11,745 |
| 23 years | $-11,513 |
| 25 years | $-11,281 |
Top Solar Installers in Taylor
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in Taylor, we've put together 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 Taylor
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Taylor
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Taylor: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Taylor, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Taylor homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Taylor, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has 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 | $15,933 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $21,545 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $27,308 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $33,221 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $39,285 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $45,500 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $51,865 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $58,381 | 9.2 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 brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
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 Taylor, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Taylor?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Taylor?
A solar panel system isn't free in Taylor, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.