Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vernon, TX (Jan 2023)
- Vernon Solar Installation Cost: $13,915
- 25-Year Savings: $27,969
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vernon
We go over average solar pricing in Vernon.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Vernon generally cost around $3. The average Vernon homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,915, or $10,297 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Vernon based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Vernon homeowner can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vernon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,240 |
| 3 years | $-8,889 |
| 5 years | $-5,538 |
| 7 years | $-2,188 |
| 9 years | $1,163 |
| 11 years | $4,514 |
| 13 years | $7,865 |
| 15 years | $11,215 |
| 17 years | $14,566 |
| 19 years | $17,917 |
| 21 years | $21,268 |
| 23 years | $24,619 |
| 25 years | $27,969 |
Top Solar Installers in Vernon
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Vernon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vernon
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Vernon: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,690 per kilowatt in Vernon. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Vernon provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Vernon, 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 promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $22,244 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $29,960 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $37,826 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $45,843 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $54,011 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $62,329 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $70,798 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $79,418 | 7.5 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about 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 substantial role in the company you hire.
- 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 the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Vernon, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vernon?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Vernon have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.