Solar Panel Cost Guide in Galveston, TX (2024 Update)
- Galveston Solar Installation Cost: $16,726
- 25-Year Savings: $23,676
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Galveston
We go over average solar pricing in Galveston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Galveston it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $16,726 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Galveston based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Galveston can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Galveston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,897 |
| 3 years | $-11,237 |
| 5 years | $-7,578 |
| 7 years | $-3,919 |
| 9 years | $-260 |
| 11 years | $3,399 |
| 13 years | $7,058 |
| 15 years | $10,717 |
| 17 years | $14,377 |
| 19 years | $18,036 |
| 21 years | $21,695 |
| 23 years | $25,354 |
| 25 years | $29,013 |
Top Solar Installers in Galveston
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Galveston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Galveston
For many Galveston homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Galveston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Galveston, 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 figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Galveston is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater 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 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 | $16,550 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $22,440 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $28,516 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $34,778 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $41,227 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $47,863 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $54,685 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $61,694 | 10.1 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 take into account, including:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Galveston, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Galveston?
The average cost of solar panels in Galveston 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 model 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 a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
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 enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Galveston?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.