Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brownsville, TX (2024 Update)
- Brownsville Solar Installation Cost: $16,449
- 25-Year Savings: $19,688
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brownsville
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Brownsville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Brownsville generally cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $16,449 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Brownsville homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Brownsville find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Brownsville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brownsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,047 |
| 3 years | $-12,244 |
| 5 years | $-9,441 |
| 7 years | $-6,638 |
| 9 years | $-3,835 |
| 11 years | $-1,032 |
| 13 years | $1,771 |
| 15 years | $4,574 |
| 17 years | $7,378 |
| 19 years | $10,181 |
| 21 years | $12,984 |
| 23 years | $15,787 |
| 25 years | $18,590 |
Top Solar Installers in Brownsville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Brownsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brownsville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Brownsville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brownsville to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Brownsville is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $13,493 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,363 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $23,420 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,664 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $34,093 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $39,710 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $45,513 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $51,502 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Brownsville, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brownsville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Brownsville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Brownsville. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.