Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sweetwater, TX (2024 Update)
- Sweetwater Solar Installation Cost: $16,633
- 25-Year Savings: $35,873
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sweetwater
We go over average solar pricing in Sweetwater.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sweetwater it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $16,633 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Sweetwater homeowner can save around $26,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Sweetwater for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sweetwater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,954 |
| 3 years | $-11,596 |
| 5 years | $-8,238 |
| 7 years | $-4,879 |
| 9 years | $-1,521 |
| 11 years | $1,837 |
| 13 years | $5,195 |
| 15 years | $8,554 |
| 17 years | $11,912 |
| 19 years | $15,270 |
| 21 years | $18,629 |
| 23 years | $21,987 |
| 25 years | $25,345 |
Top Solar Installers in Sweetwater
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar company in Sweetwater, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Sweetwater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sweetwater
There are many factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,330. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Sweetwater average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Sweetwater, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Sweetwater homeowners, they can also raise 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sweetwater is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Sweetwater know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $26,915 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $36,260 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $45,791 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $55,509 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $65,413 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $75,504 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $85,781 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $96,245 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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 good reviews from past customers.
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 Sweetwater, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sweetwater?
The average cost of solar panels in Sweetwater 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Sweetwater?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Sweetwater, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Sweetwater?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.