Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Antonio, TX (2024 Update)
- San Antonio Solar Installation Cost: $17,486
- 25-Year Savings: $23,093
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Antonio
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in San Antonio.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in San Antonio, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Because a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in San Antonio, the average price of going solar will be about $17,486 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in San Antonio
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,081 |
| 3 years | $-13,270 |
| 5 years | $-10,460 |
| 7 years | $-7,650 |
| 9 years | $-4,840 |
| 11 years | $-2,030 |
| 13 years | $780 |
| 15 years | $3,591 |
| 17 years | $6,401 |
| 19 years | $9,211 |
| 21 years | $12,021 |
| 23 years | $14,831 |
| 25 years | $17,641 |
Top Solar Installers in San Antonio
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another great thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 San Antonio
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Antonio
The cost of installing a solar system in San Antonio can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,330 per kilowatt in San Antonio.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 energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the San Antonio average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in San Antonio have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in San Antonio is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $15,223 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $20,670 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $26,304 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $32,125 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $38,131 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $44,325 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $50,704 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $57,270 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 San Antonio, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in San Antonio?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in San Antonio?
A solar panel system isn’t free in San Antonio, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger 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.