Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alvarado, TX (2024 Update)
- Alvarado Solar Installation Cost: $17,710
- 25-Year Savings: $28,409
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alvarado
We break down average solar pricing in Alvarado.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alvarado generally cost around 3.Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Alvarado, the average price of going solar will be about $17,710 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Alvarado can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Alvarado for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Alvarado
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,845 |
| 3 years | $-12,114 |
| 5 years | $-8,383 |
| 7 years | $-4,653 |
| 9 years | $-922 |
| 11 years | $2,809 |
| 13 years | $6,539 |
| 15 years | $10,270 |
| 17 years | $14,001 |
| 19 years | $17,731 |
| 21 years | $21,462 |
| 23 years | $25,193 |
| 25 years | $28,923 |
Top Solar Installers in Alvarado
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Alvarado:
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 Alvarado
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alvarado
For many Alvarado homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Alvarado, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Alvarado, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Alvarado to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Alvarado homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Alvarado, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $19,188 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $25,957 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $32,912 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $40,054 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $47,382 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $54,897 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $62,598 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $70,486 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Alvarado, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding 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.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: When looking 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 such as a system part breaking or if the company goes 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 Alvarado, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alvarado?
The average cost of solar panels in Alvarado 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Alvarado is currently $251,319, which means you can expect a value of about $10,304 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Alvarado is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Alvarado?
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.