Solar Panel Cost Guide in Temple, TX (2023 Update)
- Temple Solar Installation Cost: $17,575
- 25-Year Savings: $20,003
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Temple
We break down average solar pricing in Temple.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Temple generally cost around 2.69.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Temple, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,198, or $20,303 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Temple depending on a few factors, such as the type 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 Temple homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Temple for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Temple
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,143 |
| 3 years | $-13,277 |
| 5 years | $-10,412 |
| 7 years | $-7,547 |
| 9 years | $-4,681 |
| 11 years | $-1,816 |
| 13 years | $1,049 |
| 15 years | $3,915 |
| 17 years | $6,780 |
| 19 years | $9,645 |
| 21 years | $12,510 |
| 23 years | $15,376 |
| 25 years | $18,241 |
Top Solar Installers in Temple
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Temple
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Temple
There are several criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,690 per kilowatt in Temple.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Temple to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Temple homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,670 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $17,266 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $22,049 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $27,019 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $32,174 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $37,517 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $43,045 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $48,761 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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 Temple, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Temple?
The average cost of solar panels in Temple is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Temple?
Solar panels aren't free in Temple, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Temple?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Temple?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.
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.