Solar Panel Cost Guide in Corpus Christi, TX (2024 Update)
- Corpus Christi Solar Installation Cost: $16,475
- 25-Year Savings: $25,337
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Corpus Christi
We break down average solar pricing in Corpus Christi.
The average cost of a solar system in Corpus Christi is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Corpus Christi is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,475 for a solar installation, or $23,559 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Corpus Christi based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Corpus Christi find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Corpus Christi
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,789 |
| 3 years | $-11,417 |
| 5 years | $-8,045 |
| 7 years | $-4,673 |
| 9 years | $-1,301 |
| 11 years | $2,071 |
| 13 years | $5,443 |
| 15 years | $8,815 |
| 17 years | $12,187 |
| 19 years | $15,559 |
| 21 years | $18,931 |
| 23 years | $22,303 |
| 25 years | $25,675 |
Top Solar Installers in Corpus Christi
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another perk of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Corpus Christi:
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 Corpus Christi
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Corpus Christi
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Corpus Christi: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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 about $3,330. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Corpus Christi, 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 a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Corpus Christi is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $18,261 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $24,721 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $31,367 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $38,200 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $45,219 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $52,425 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $59,817 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $67,396 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Corpus Christi, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Corpus Christi?
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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Corpus Christi?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Corpus Christi. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Corpus Christi is currently $219,258, which means you could be looking at a value of about $8,990 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Corpus Christi is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.