Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watauga, TX (2024 Update)

  • Watauga Solar Installation Cost: $17,834
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,781
  • Payback Period: 12.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watauga

We break down average solar pricing in Watauga.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Watauga, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Watauga is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,834 for a solar installation, or $25,503 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Watauga homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Watauga for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Watauga

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,413
3 years $-13,571
5 years $-10,729
7 years $-7,887
9 years $-5,045
11 years $-2,202
13 years $640
15 years $3,482
17 years $6,324
19 years $9,166
21 years $12,008
23 years $14,850
25 years $17,693

Top Solar Installers in Watauga

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Watauga

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watauga

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Watauga: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install 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

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Watauga, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Watauga homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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

A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Watauga is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater 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 down 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 $3.46 $14,545 $14,618 12.5 years
8 kW $3.40 $19,021 $19,863 12.2 years
10 kW $3.33 $23,310 $25,295 12.0 years
12 kW $3.26 $27,413 $30,914 11.7 years
14 kW $3.20 $31,329 $36,719 11.5 years
16 kW $3.13 $35,058 $42,710 11.3 years
18 kW $3.06 $38,601 $48,888 11.0 years
20 kW $3.00 $41,958 $55,253 10.8 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:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Watauga, TX Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Watauga?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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.

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