Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highlands, TX (2024 Update)
- Highlands Solar Installation Cost: $17,820
- 25-Year Savings: $22,793
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highlands
We go over average solar pricing in Highlands.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Highlands generally cost about 3.The average Highlands homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,820 with the federal tax credit, or $25,483 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Highlands depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Highlands for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Highlands
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,399 |
| 3 years | $-13,557 |
| 5 years | $-10,714 |
| 7 years | $-7,872 |
| 9 years | $-5,030 |
| 11 years | $-2,188 |
| 13 years | $654 |
| 15 years | $3,496 |
| 17 years | $6,339 |
| 19 years | $9,181 |
| 21 years | $12,023 |
| 23 years | $14,865 |
| 25 years | $17,707 |
Top Solar Installers in Highlands
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Highlands:
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 Highlands
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highlands
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Highlands: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,330 per kilowatt in Highlands.The kind 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Highlands average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Highlands, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Highlands know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $14,641 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,895 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,335 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,961 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,774 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,774 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,959 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $55,332 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Highlands, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Highlands?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Highlands?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Highlands is currently $223,905, so you can look forward to a value of about $9,180 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Highlands is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Highlands?
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.