Solar Panel Cost Guide in College Station, TX (2024 Update)
- College Station Solar Installation Cost: $17,788
- 25-Year Savings: $23,415
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in College Station
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in College Station.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in College Station typically cost around 3.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in College Station, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,788, or $25,437 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of College Station homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in College Station, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in College Station
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,323 |
| 3 years | $-13,392 |
| 5 years | $-10,462 |
| 7 years | $-7,531 |
| 9 years | $-4,601 |
| 11 years | $-1,670 |
| 13 years | $1,260 |
| 15 years | $4,190 |
| 17 years | $7,121 |
| 19 years | $10,051 |
| 21 years | $12,982 |
| 23 years | $15,912 |
| 25 years | $18,843 |
Top Solar Installers in College Station
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 College Station
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in College Station
For many College Station homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in College Station, 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the College Station average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in College Station, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in College Station, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $15,163 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $20,590 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $26,204 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $32,004 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $37,991 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $44,164 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $50,524 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $57,070 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 College Station, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in College Station?
The average cost of solar panels in College Station 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.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in College Station?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.