Solar Panel Cost Guide in Little Elm, TX (2024 Update)

  • Little Elm Solar Installation Cost: $17,850
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,688
  • Payback Period: 12.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Little Elm

We break down average solar pricing in Little Elm.

In Little Elm, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Little Elm is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,850 for a solar installation, or $25,526 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Little Elm homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Little Elm homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Little Elm that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Little Elm

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,564
3 years $-13,991
5 years $-11,418
7 years $-8,845
9 years $-6,272
11 years $-3,698
13 years $-1,125
15 years $1,448
17 years $4,021
19 years $6,594
21 years $9,167
23 years $11,740
25 years $14,313

Top Solar Installers in Little Elm

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Little Elm

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Little Elm

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Little Elm: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,330 per kilowatt in Little Elm.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Little Elm, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Little Elm offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Little Elm homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence how much you pay. Little Elm’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Little Elm 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 $12,962 13.2 years
8 kW $3.40 $19,021 $17,656 13.0 years
10 kW $3.33 $23,310 $22,536 12.7 years
12 kW $3.26 $27,413 $27,603 12.5 years
14 kW $3.20 $31,329 $32,856 12.2 years
16 kW $3.13 $35,058 $38,296 11.9 years
18 kW $3.06 $38,601 $43,922 11.7 years
20 kW $3.00 $41,958 $49,734 11.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types 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, such as:

  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Little Elm, TX Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Little Elm?

The average cost of solar panels in Little Elm is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Little Elm?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Little Elm. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $916.92 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Little Elm?

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.

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