Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plano, TX (2024 Update)
- Plano Solar Installation Cost: $17,939
- 25-Year Savings: $23,510
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plano
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Plano.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Plano is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Plano, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,939, or $25,653 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 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 making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Plano homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Plano
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-16,544 |
3 years | $-13,756 |
5 years | $-10,967 |
7 years | $-8,179 |
9 years | $-5,390 |
11 years | $-2,601 |
13 years | $187 |
15 years | $2,976 |
17 years | $5,765 |
19 years | $8,553 |
21 years | $11,342 |
23 years | $14,130 |
25 years | $16,919 |
Top Solar Installers in Plano
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Plano
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plano
While the average cost of a solar system in Plano is $17,939, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 spend around $3,330 per kilowatt in Plano.The type 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Plano average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Plano to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.When estimating 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 lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Plano, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $15,082 | 12.3 years |
8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $20,483 | 12.0 years |
10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $26,069 | 11.8 years |
12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $31,843 | 11.6 years |
14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $37,803 | 11.3 years |
16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $43,949 | 11.1 years |
18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $50,282 | 10.9 years |
20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $56,801 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect 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 take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Plano, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plano?
The average cost of solar panels in Plano 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Plano?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger amount 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.