Solar Panel Cost Guide in Abilene, TX (2024 Update)
- Abilene Solar Installation Cost: $16,854
- 25-Year Savings: $29,373
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Abilene
We go over average solar pricing in Abilene.
The average cost of a solar system in Abilene is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Abilene, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,854, or $24,101 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Abilene homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Abilene for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Abilene
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,113 |
| 3 years | $-11,632 |
| 5 years | $-8,151 |
| 7 years | $-4,669 |
| 9 years | $-1,188 |
| 11 years | $2,293 |
| 13 years | $5,775 |
| 15 years | $9,256 |
| 17 years | $12,737 |
| 19 years | $16,219 |
| 21 years | $19,700 |
| 23 years | $23,181 |
| 25 years | $26,662 |
Top Solar Installers in Abilene
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
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 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 Abilene
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Abilene
While the average cost of a solar system in Abilene is $16,854, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Abilene have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Abilene homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect how much you pay. Abilene’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $21,127 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $28,542 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $36,144 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $43,933 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $51,907 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $60,069 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $68,416 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $76,951 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Abilene, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Abilene?
The average cost of solar panels in Abilene is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Abilene?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Abilene. 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’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Abilene?
Each state has some kind 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 energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.