Solar Panel Cost Guide in Windcrest, TX (2024 Update)
- Windcrest Solar Installation Cost: $17,467
- 25-Year Savings: $23,291
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Windcrest
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Windcrest.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Windcrest typically cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $17,467 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Windcrest based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Windcrest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,058 |
| 3 years | $-13,239 |
| 5 years | $-10,420 |
| 7 years | $-7,602 |
| 9 years | $-4,783 |
| 11 years | $-1,965 |
| 13 years | $854 |
| 15 years | $3,673 |
| 17 years | $6,491 |
| 19 years | $9,310 |
| 21 years | $12,128 |
| 23 years | $14,947 |
| 25 years | $17,765 |
Top Solar Installers in Windcrest
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
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
- 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 Windcrest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Windcrest
The cost of installing a solar system in Windcrest can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Windcrest, 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Windcrest homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $15,402 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $20,908 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $26,602 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $32,482 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $38,548 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $44,801 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $51,240 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $57,866 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, 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:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Windcrest, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Windcrest?
The average cost of solar panels in Windcrest 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Windcrest?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Windcrest, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.