Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fredericksburg, TX (2024 Update)
- Fredericksburg Solar Installation Cost: $17,254
- 25-Year Savings: $20,799
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fredericksburg
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Fredericksburg.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fredericksburg it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Fredericksburg, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,254, or $24,673 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Fredericksburg homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Fredericksburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,790 |
| 3 years | $-12,861 |
| 5 years | $-9,932 |
| 7 years | $-7,003 |
| 9 years | $-4,074 |
| 11 years | $-1,145 |
| 13 years | $1,784 |
| 15 years | $4,713 |
| 17 years | $7,642 |
| 19 years | $10,571 |
| 21 years | $13,500 |
| 23 years | $16,429 |
| 25 years | $19,358 |
Top Solar Installers in Fredericksburg
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar company in Fredericksburg, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Fredericksburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fredericksburg
For many Fredericksburg homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fredericksburg, 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Fredericksburg homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Fredericksburg, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk 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 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 | $13,612 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,522 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $23,619 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,902 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $34,372 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $40,028 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $45,871 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $51,900 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose 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 consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- 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 need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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 Fredericksburg, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fredericksburg?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fredericksburg?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Fredericksburg. 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 it worth going solar in Fredericksburg?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Fredericksburg?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.