Solar Panel Cost Guide in Donna, TX (2024 Update)
- Donna Solar Installation Cost: $16,573
- 25-Year Savings: $17,670
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Donna
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Donna.
In Donna, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Donna homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,573 with the federal tax credit, or $23,699 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Donna depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Donna homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Donna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,330 |
| 3 years | $-12,846 |
| 5 years | $-10,362 |
| 7 years | $-7,878 |
| 9 years | $-5,394 |
| 11 years | $-2,910 |
| 13 years | $-426 |
| 15 years | $2,058 |
| 17 years | $4,542 |
| 19 years | $7,026 |
| 21 years | $9,511 |
| 23 years | $11,995 |
| 25 years | $14,479 |
Top Solar Installers in Donna
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Donna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Donna
For many Donna homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Donna, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,330. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Donna average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Donna homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Donna homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $11,665 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $15,926 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $20,374 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $25,008 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $29,829 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $34,836 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $40,030 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $45,410 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
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 Donna, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Donna?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Donna?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Donna. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 household 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.