Solar Panel Cost Guide in Austin, IN (2024 Update)
- Austin Solar Installation Cost: $24,790
- 25-Year Savings: $23,317
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Austin
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Austin.
The average cost of solar panels in Austin is 4 per watt.The average Austin homeowner needs a 8.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $24,790 with the federal tax credit, or $35,450 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Austin homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Austin find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Austin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,464 |
| 3 years | $-20,813 |
| 5 years | $-18,162 |
| 7 years | $-15,510 |
| 9 years | $-12,859 |
| 11 years | $-10,208 |
| 13 years | $-7,557 |
| 15 years | $-4,906 |
| 17 years | $-2,254 |
| 19 years | $397 |
| 21 years | $3,048 |
| 23 years | $5,699 |
| 25 years | $8,351 |
Top Solar Installers in Austin
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Austin, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Austin:
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Austin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Austin
Although the average cost of a solar system in Austin is $24,790, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Austin, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,100 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Austin offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Austin homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Austin’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Austin are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.26 | $17,909 | $9,544 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $13,185 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $17,055 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $21,155 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $25,484 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $30,043 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $34,831 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $39,850 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Austin, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Austin?
The average cost of solar panels in Austin is about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Austin have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.