Solar Panel Cost Guide in West University Place, TX (2024 Update)
- West University Place Solar Installation Cost: $17,820
- 25-Year Savings: $22,793
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West University Place
We go over average solar pricing in West University Place.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West University Place generally cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $17,820 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West University Place find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in West University Place
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,399 |
| 3 years | $-13,557 |
| 5 years | $-10,714 |
| 7 years | $-7,872 |
| 9 years | $-5,030 |
| 11 years | $-2,188 |
| 13 years | $654 |
| 15 years | $3,496 |
| 17 years | $6,339 |
| 19 years | $9,181 |
| 21 years | $12,023 |
| 23 years | $14,865 |
| 25 years | $17,707 |
Top Solar Installers in West University Place
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 West University Place
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West University Place
While the average cost of a solar system in West University Place is $17,820, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in West University Place, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like West University Place, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $14,641 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,895 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,335 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,961 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,774 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,774 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,959 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $55,332 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in West University Place, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 West University Place, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West University Place?
The average cost of solar panels in West University Place 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in West University Place?
A solar panel system isn’t free in West University Place, 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout West University Place, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in West University Place?
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 higher amount 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.