Solar Panel Cost Guide in Weslaco, TX (2023 Update)
- Weslaco Solar Installation Cost: $16,573
- 25-Year Savings: $17,670
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Weslaco
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Weslaco.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Weslaco typically cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Weslaco is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,573 for a solar installation, or $23,699 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Weslaco based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Weslaco homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Weslaco
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,330 |
| 3 years | $-12,846 |
| 5 years | $-10,362 |
| 7 years | $-7,878 |
| 9 years | $-5,394 |
| 11 years | $-2,910 |
| 13 years | $-426 |
| 15 years | $2,058 |
| 17 years | $4,542 |
| 19 years | $7,026 |
| 21 years | $9,511 |
| 23 years | $11,995 |
| 25 years | $14,479 |
Top Solar Installers in Weslaco
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Weslaco:
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 Weslaco
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Weslaco
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Weslaco: 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Weslaco, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Weslaco’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 companies.
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 | $11,665 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $15,926 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $20,374 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $25,008 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $29,829 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $34,836 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $40,030 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $45,410 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through 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.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
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 Weslaco, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Weslaco?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Weslaco?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Weslaco have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.