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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Buda, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $17,602 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Buda find going solar can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Buda, you can 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
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Buda, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Buda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buda
For many Buda homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Buda, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Buda to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Buda 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 put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Buda is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Buda know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 | $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
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds 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 keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Buda, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 real cost will depend on things 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 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 you can take advantage of.
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.