Solar Panel Cost Guide in Decatur, TX (2024 Update)
- Decatur Solar Installation Cost: $17,667
- 25-Year Savings: $19,718
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Decatur
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Decatur.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Decatur it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Decatur is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,667 for a solar installation, or $25,264 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Decatur can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Decatur that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Decatur
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,224 |
| 3 years | $-13,337 |
| 5 years | $-10,450 |
| 7 years | $-7,563 |
| 9 years | $-4,677 |
| 11 years | $-1,790 |
| 13 years | $1,097 |
| 15 years | $3,984 |
| 17 years | $6,871 |
| 19 years | $9,757 |
| 21 years | $12,644 |
| 23 years | $15,531 |
| 25 years | $18,418 |
Top Solar Installers in Decatur
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer 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 Decatur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Decatur
For many Decatur homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Decatur, 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 price of a solar energy system in Decatur, one of the most crucial 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 determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Decatur average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Decatur to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Decatur homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Decatur, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $12,361 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $16,855 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $21,535 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $26,401 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $31,454 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $36,693 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $42,119 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $47,732 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going 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 Decatur, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Decatur?
The average cost of solar panels in Decatur 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Decatur?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Decatur. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Decatur is currently $430,479, which means you can look forward to a value of about $17,650 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Decatur is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Decatur?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.