Solar Panel Cost Guide in Donna, TX (2024 Update)
- Donna Solar Installation Cost: $16,573
- 25-Year Savings: $17,670
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Donna
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Donna.
In Donna, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Donna is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,573 for a solar installation, or $23,699 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Donna depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Donna find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Donna that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Donna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,330 |
| 3 years | $-12,846 |
| 5 years | $-10,362 |
| 7 years | $-7,878 |
| 9 years | $-5,394 |
| 11 years | $-2,910 |
| 13 years | $-426 |
| 15 years | $2,058 |
| 17 years | $4,542 |
| 19 years | $7,026 |
| 21 years | $9,511 |
| 23 years | $11,995 |
| 25 years | $14,479 |
Top Solar Installers in Donna
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Donna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Donna
Although the average cost of a solar system in Donna is $16,573, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Donna, 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 determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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 extra 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 energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Donna homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to include 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 how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Donna, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $11,665 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $15,926 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $20,374 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $25,008 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $29,829 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $34,836 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $40,030 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $45,410 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Donna, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Donna?
The average cost of solar panels in Donna 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 Donna?
Solar panels aren’t free in Donna, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Donna?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 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 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.