Solar Panel Cost Guide in Universal City, TX (2023 Update)
- Universal City Solar Installation Cost: $14,110
- 25-Year Savings: $23,445
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Universal City
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Universal City.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Universal City typically cost around 2.69. Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $14,104 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Universal City depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Universal City homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Universal City that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Universal City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,741 |
| 3 years | $-10,004 |
| 5 years | $-7,267 |
| 7 years | $-4,530 |
| 9 years | $-1,793 |
| 11 years | $944 |
| 13 years | $3,681 |
| 15 years | $6,418 |
| 17 years | $9,155 |
| 19 years | $11,892 |
| 21 years | $14,629 |
| 23 years | $17,366 |
| 25 years | $20,103 |
Top Solar Installers in Universal City
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Universal City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Universal City
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Universal City: 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
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,690. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Universal City average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Universal City, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Universal City 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 put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Universal City, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $18,321 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $24,729 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $31,288 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $37,998 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $44,858 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $51,869 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $59,030 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $66,342 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
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 Universal City, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Universal City?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Universal City is currently $146,170, so you can expect a value of about $5,993 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Universal City is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Universal City?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.
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.