Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Orange, TX (2023 Update)
- West Orange Solar Installation Cost: $17,794
- 25-Year Savings: $20,945
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Orange
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in West Orange.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Orange generally cost around 2.69.The average solar panel system size in West Orange is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,367 for a solar installation, or $20,545 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in West Orange can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in West Orange, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Orange
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,496 |
| 3 years | $-13,899 |
| 5 years | $-11,302 |
| 7 years | $-8,704 |
| 9 years | $-6,107 |
| 11 years | $-3,510 |
| 13 years | $-913 |
| 15 years | $1,684 |
| 17 years | $4,281 |
| 19 years | $6,878 |
| 21 years | $9,475 |
| 23 years | $12,073 |
| 25 years | $14,670 |
Top Solar Installers in West Orange
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 West Orange
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Orange
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in West Orange: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many West Orange homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in West Orange, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $13,215 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $17,992 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $22,957 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,108 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $33,445 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $38,969 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $44,679 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $50,576 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 West Orange, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Orange?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in West Orange?
You can't get solar panels for free in West Orange. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in West Orange?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in West Orange?
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 larger level 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.