Solar Panel Cost Guide in Huntsville, TX (2024 Update)
- Huntsville Solar Installation Cost: $17,830
- 25-Year Savings: $24,374
- Payback Period: 11.5 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 Huntsville
We break down average solar pricing in Huntsville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Huntsville, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Huntsville homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,830 with the federal tax credit, or $25,497 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Huntsville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Huntsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,532 |
| 3 years | $-13,935 |
| 5 years | $-11,338 |
| 7 years | $-8,740 |
| 9 years | $-6,143 |
| 11 years | $-3,546 |
| 13 years | $-949 |
| 15 years | $1,648 |
| 17 years | $4,245 |
| 19 years | $6,842 |
| 21 years | $9,440 |
| 23 years | $12,037 |
| 25 years | $14,634 |
Top Solar Installers in Huntsville
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Huntsville, 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 Huntsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Huntsville
The cost of installing a solar system in Huntsville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Huntsville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Huntsville provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Huntsville is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Huntsville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $15,871 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $21,534 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $27,384 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $33,420 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $39,643 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $46,052 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $52,648 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $59,430 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating 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 how long it will take.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Huntsville, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Huntsville?
This is a difficult 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Huntsville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Huntsville. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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.