Solar Panel Cost Guide in Austin, MN (2024 Update)
- Austin Solar Installation Cost: $20,157
- 25-Year Savings: $20,501
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Austin
We break down average solar pricing in Austin.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Austin is 4 per watt.Because a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Austin, the average price of going solar will be about $20,157 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Austin based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the high initial cost, the average Austin homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Austin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,878 |
| 3 years | $-16,319 |
| 5 years | $-13,760 |
| 7 years | $-11,201 |
| 9 years | $-8,642 |
| 11 years | $-6,083 |
| 13 years | $-3,524 |
| 15 years | $-966 |
| 17 years | $1,593 |
| 19 years | $4,152 |
| 21 years | $6,711 |
| 23 years | $9,270 |
| 25 years | $11,829 |
Top Solar Installers in Austin
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Austin: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $4,030. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Austin, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Austin homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Austin’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $4.19 | $17,603 | $11,540 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $15,838 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $20,361 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $25,111 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $30,086 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $35,286 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $40,712 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $46,365 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Austin?
The average cost of solar panels in Austin is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Austin?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Austin. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Austin, 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.