Solar Panel Cost Guide in Universal City, TX (2023 Update)
- Universal City Solar Installation Cost: $14,104
- 25-Year Savings: $23,452
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Universal City
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Universal City.
In Universal City, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Universal City is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,104 for a solar installation, or $20,169 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Universal City homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Universal City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,601 |
| 3 years | $-9,597 |
| 5 years | $-6,593 |
| 7 years | $-3,588 |
| 9 years | $-584 |
| 11 years | $2,421 |
| 13 years | $5,425 |
| 15 years | $8,429 |
| 17 years | $11,434 |
| 19 years | $14,438 |
| 21 years | $17,443 |
| 23 years | $20,447 |
| 25 years | $23,452 |
Top Solar Installers in Universal City
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Another great thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
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 near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall 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 cost of solar panels 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 with better efficiency or power generation need 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 $2,690. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Universal City offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Universal City, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Universal City?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Universal City?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 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.