Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wharton, TX (2024 Update)

  • Wharton Solar Installation Cost: $17,712
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,983
  • Payback Period: 11.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wharton

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Wharton.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wharton it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Wharton, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,712, or $25,328 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Wharton homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wharton find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Wharton for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Wharton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,251
3 years $-13,328
5 years $-10,405
7 years $-7,482
9 years $-4,559
11 years $-1,636
13 years $1,287
15 years $4,210
17 years $7,133
19 years $10,056
21 years $12,979
23 years $15,902
25 years $18,825

Top Solar Installers in Wharton

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Wharton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wharton

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Wharton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Wharton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Wharton, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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 a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Wharton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Wharton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually 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 extra services like electric vehicle 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 $15,689 12.0 years
8 kW $3.40 $19,021 $21,292 11.8 years
10 kW $3.33 $23,310 $27,082 11.6 years
12 kW $3.26 $27,413 $33,057 11.3 years
14 kW $3.20 $31,329 $39,220 11.1 years
16 kW $3.13 $35,058 $45,568 10.9 years
18 kW $3.06 $38,601 $52,103 10.6 years
20 kW $3.00 $41,958 $58,825 10.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Wharton, TX Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wharton?

The average cost of solar panels in Wharton 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Wharton?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Wharton, 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 can further reduce the cost.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Wharton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.

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