Solar Panel Cost Guide in McAllen, TX (2024 Update)

  • McAllen Solar Installation Cost: $16,573
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,670
  • Payback Period: 13.3 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 McAllen

Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in McAllen.

In McAllen, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average McAllen homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,573 with the federal tax credit, or $23,699 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in McAllen can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in McAllen

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,330
3 years $-12,846
5 years $-10,362
7 years $-7,878
9 years $-5,394
11 years $-2,910
13 years $-426
15 years $2,058
17 years $4,542
19 years $7,026
21 years $9,511
23 years $11,995
25 years $14,479

Top Solar Installers in McAllen

Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 McAllen

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McAllen

Cost is often 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 McAllen: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in McAllen, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in McAllen to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

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 $11,665 13.9 years
8 kW $3.40 $19,021 $15,926 13.6 years
10 kW $3.33 $23,310 $20,374 13.3 years
12 kW $3.26 $27,413 $25,008 13.1 years
14 kW $3.20 $31,329 $29,829 12.8 years
16 kW $3.13 $35,058 $34,836 12.5 years
18 kW $3.06 $38,601 $40,030 12.3 years
20 kW $3.00 $41,958 $45,410 12.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.

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 McAllen, TX Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in McAllen?

The average cost of solar panels in McAllen 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in McAllen?

You can’t get solar panels for free in McAllen. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in McAllen?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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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