Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockdale, TX (2024 Update)
- Rockdale Solar Installation Cost: $17,610
- 25-Year Savings: $20,915
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockdale
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Rockdale.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Rockdale is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $17,610 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rockdale find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Rockdale that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rockdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,311 |
| 3 years | $-13,714 |
| 5 years | $-11,117 |
| 7 years | $-8,520 |
| 9 years | $-5,923 |
| 11 years | $-3,326 |
| 13 years | $-729 |
| 15 years | $1,869 |
| 17 years | $4,466 |
| 19 years | $7,063 |
| 21 years | $9,660 |
| 23 years | $12,257 |
| 25 years | $14,854 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockdale
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Rockdale:
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 Rockdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockdale
For many Rockdale homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rockdale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Rockdale, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Rockdale’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,363 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,191 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $23,205 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,405 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $33,792 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $39,365 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $45,125 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $51,072 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds 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, including:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While 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 be sure to take a look at 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 Rockdale, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rockdale?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.