Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gilmer, TX (2024 Update)
- Gilmer Solar Installation Cost: $18,161
- 25-Year Savings: $21,201
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gilmer
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Gilmer.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gilmer, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $18,161 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large initial cost, the average Gilmer homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Gilmer for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Gilmer
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,810 |
| 3 years | $-14,108 |
| 5 years | $-11,405 |
| 7 years | $-8,703 |
| 9 years | $-6,001 |
| 11 years | $-3,299 |
| 13 years | $-596 |
| 15 years | $2,106 |
| 17 years | $4,808 |
| 19 years | $7,511 |
| 21 years | $10,213 |
| 23 years | $12,915 |
| 25 years | $15,617 |
Top Solar Installers in Gilmer
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Gilmer
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gilmer
There are several factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Gilmer, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Gilmer homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Gilmer, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $13,080 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $17,813 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $22,732 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $27,838 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $33,131 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $38,609 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $44,275 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $50,127 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Gilmer, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gilmer?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Gilmer?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Gilmer?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Gilmer?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.