Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buda, TX (2024 Update)
- Buda Solar Installation Cost: $17,602
- 25-Year Savings: $17,051
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buda
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Buda.
In Buda, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $17,602 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buda
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,216 |
| 3 years | $-13,444 |
| 5 years | $-10,672 |
| 7 years | $-7,899 |
| 9 years | $-5,127 |
| 11 years | $-2,355 |
| 13 years | $417 |
| 15 years | $3,189 |
| 17 years | $5,962 |
| 19 years | $8,734 |
| 21 years | $11,506 |
| 23 years | $14,278 |
| 25 years | $17,051 |
Top Solar Installers in Buda
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Buda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buda
There are many criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Buda, 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 power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Buda’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Buda are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $14,253 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,377 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $24,688 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,185 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $35,868 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $41,738 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $47,794 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $54,037 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system 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.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Buda, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Buda?
The average cost of solar panels in Buda 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Buda?
Solar panels aren’t free in Buda, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Buda?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 average daily 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 install 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.