Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zapata, TX (2024 Update)
- Zapata Solar Installation Cost: $16,203
- 25-Year Savings: $27,371
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zapata
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Zapata.
In Zapata, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Zapata is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,203 for a solar installation, or $23,170 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Zapata that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Zapata
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,687 |
| 3 years | $-11,656 |
| 5 years | $-8,625 |
| 7 years | $-5,593 |
| 9 years | $-2,562 |
| 11 years | $470 |
| 13 years | $3,501 |
| 15 years | $6,532 |
| 17 years | $9,564 |
| 19 years | $12,595 |
| 21 years | $15,627 |
| 23 years | $18,658 |
| 25 years | $21,689 |
Top Solar Installers in Zapata
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Zapata
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zapata
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Zapata: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use 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 $3,330.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Zapata average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $20,378 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $27,543 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $34,895 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $42,434 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $50,159 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $58,070 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $66,168 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $74,452 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Zapata, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Zapata, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Zapata?
The average cost of solar panels in Zapata 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Zapata?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Zapata, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.