Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Leon, TX (2024 Update)
- San Leon Solar Installation Cost: $16,726
- 25-Year Savings: $23,676
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Leon
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in San Leon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in San Leon it’s 3 per watt.The average San Leon homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,726 with the federal tax credit, or $23,918 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of San Leon homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant initial cost, the average San Leon homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in San Leon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,305 |
| 3 years | $-12,463 |
| 5 years | $-9,621 |
| 7 years | $-6,779 |
| 9 years | $-3,936 |
| 11 years | $-1,094 |
| 13 years | $1,748 |
| 15 years | $4,590 |
| 17 years | $7,432 |
| 19 years | $10,274 |
| 21 years | $13,117 |
| 23 years | $15,959 |
| 25 years | $18,801 |
Top Solar Installers in San Leon
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another good thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. 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 San Leon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Leon
For many San Leon homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in San Leon, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,330. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in San Leon, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for San Leon homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in San Leon, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $16,550 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $22,440 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $28,516 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $34,778 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $41,227 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $47,863 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $54,685 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $61,694 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Leon, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Leon?
The average cost of solar panels in San Leon is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,036.52 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.