Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dripping Springs, TX (2024 Update)
- Dripping Springs Solar Installation Cost: $17,602
- 25-Year Savings: $20,832
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dripping Springs
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Dripping Springs.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dripping Springs generally cost around 3.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Dripping Springs, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,602, or $25,171 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Dripping Springs depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Dripping Springs can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dripping Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,246 |
| 3 years | $-13,535 |
| 5 years | $-10,824 |
| 7 years | $-8,112 |
| 9 years | $-5,401 |
| 11 years | $-2,689 |
| 13 years | $22 |
| 15 years | $2,733 |
| 17 years | $5,445 |
| 19 years | $8,156 |
| 21 years | $10,868 |
| 23 years | $13,579 |
| 25 years | $16,290 |
Top Solar Installers in Dripping Springs
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Dripping Springs:
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 Dripping Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dripping Springs
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Dripping Springs: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Dripping Springs, 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Dripping Springs average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Dripping Springs 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 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Dripping Springs is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $13,305 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,113 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $23,107 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,288 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $33,655 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $39,209 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $44,949 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $50,876 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Dripping Springs, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dripping Springs?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dripping Springs?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Dripping Springs, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Dripping Springs?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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 continue to use 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.