Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zapata, TX (Mar 2023)
- Zapata Solar Installation Cost: $13,087
- 25-Year Savings: $27,373
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zapata
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Zapata.
The average cost of solar panels in Zapata is 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Zapata is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,087 for a solar installation, or $18,714 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Zapata homeowner can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Zapata for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Zapata
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,468 |
| 3 years | $-8,232 |
| 5 years | $-4,995 |
| 7 years | $-1,758 |
| 9 years | $1,479 |
| 11 years | $4,715 |
| 13 years | $7,952 |
| 15 years | $11,189 |
| 17 years | $14,426 |
| 19 years | $17,662 |
| 21 years | $20,899 |
| 23 years | $24,136 |
| 25 years | $27,373 |
Top Solar Installers in Zapata
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Zapata, we've put together 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 (coming 2022)
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 Zapata
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zapata
For many Zapata homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Zapata, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require 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 $2,690. There are many 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. Plus, the type of equipment you want 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Zapata, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Zapata 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
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Zapata's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $23,173 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $31,199 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $39,375 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $47,702 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $56,180 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $64,808 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $73,587 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $82,516 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Zapata, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Zapata?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 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 consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Zapata?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly 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 long do solar panels last in Zapata?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.