Solar Panel Cost Guide in Windcrest, TX (2024 Update)
- Windcrest Solar Installation Cost: $17,467
- 25-Year Savings: $23,291
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Windcrest
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Windcrest.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Windcrest is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $17,467 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Windcrest homeowner can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Windcrest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,058 |
| 3 years | $-13,239 |
| 5 years | $-10,420 |
| 7 years | $-7,602 |
| 9 years | $-4,783 |
| 11 years | $-1,965 |
| 13 years | $854 |
| 15 years | $3,673 |
| 17 years | $6,491 |
| 19 years | $9,310 |
| 21 years | $12,128 |
| 23 years | $14,947 |
| 25 years | $17,765 |
Top Solar Installers in Windcrest
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Windcrest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Windcrest
Though the average cost of a solar system in Windcrest is $17,467, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to factor 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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Windcrest, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $15,402 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $20,908 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $26,602 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $32,482 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $38,548 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $44,801 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $51,240 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $57,866 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Windcrest, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Windcrest?
The average cost of solar panels in Windcrest is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Windcrest?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Windcrest, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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.