Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wharton, TX (2023 Update)
- Wharton Solar Installation Cost: $14,311
- 25-Year Savings: $23,980
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wharton
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Wharton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Wharton generally cost around 2.69. Since a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Wharton, the average price of going solar will be about $14,311 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Wharton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wharton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,779 |
| 3 years | $-9,716 |
| 5 years | $-6,653 |
| 7 years | $-3,589 |
| 9 years | $-526 |
| 11 years | $2,537 |
| 13 years | $5,600 |
| 15 years | $8,664 |
| 17 years | $11,727 |
| 19 years | $14,790 |
| 21 years | $17,853 |
| 23 years | $20,917 |
| 25 years | $23,980 |
Top Solar Installers in Wharton
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and expertise. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Wharton, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Wharton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wharton
For many Wharton homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wharton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,690. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $18,485 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $24,948 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $31,562 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $38,326 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $45,241 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $52,306 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $59,522 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $66,889 | 8.4 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar 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 secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry 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.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Wharton, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wharton?
The average cost of solar panels in Wharton is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Wharton?
You can't get solar panels for free in Wharton. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Wharton is currently $110,200, so you can look forward to a value of about $4,518 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Wharton is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Wharton?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.