Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saginaw, TX (2024 Update)
- Saginaw Solar Installation Cost: $17,834
- 25-Year Savings: $22,781
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saginaw
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Saginaw.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Saginaw it’s 3 per watt.The average Saginaw homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,834 with the federal tax credit, or $25,503 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Saginaw based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Saginaw homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Saginaw for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Saginaw
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,413 |
| 3 years | $-13,571 |
| 5 years | $-10,729 |
| 7 years | $-7,887 |
| 9 years | $-5,045 |
| 11 years | $-2,202 |
| 13 years | $640 |
| 15 years | $3,482 |
| 17 years | $6,324 |
| 19 years | $9,166 |
| 21 years | $12,008 |
| 23 years | $14,850 |
| 25 years | $17,693 |
Top Solar Installers in Saginaw
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Saginaw
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saginaw
The cost of installing a solar system in Saginaw can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Saginaw average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Saginaw offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Saginaw homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $14,618 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,863 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,295 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,914 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,719 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,710 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,888 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $55,253 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Saginaw, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Saginaw, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Saginaw?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Saginaw?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Saginaw have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.