Solar Panel Cost Guide in El Paso, TX (2024 Update)
- El Paso Solar Installation Cost: $15,545
- 25-Year Savings: $28,331
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in El Paso
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in El Paso.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in El Paso it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in El Paso, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,545, or $22,229 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average El Paso homeowner can save about $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in El Paso for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in El Paso
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,962 |
| 3 years | $-10,796 |
| 5 years | $-7,630 |
| 7 years | $-4,465 |
| 9 years | $-1,299 |
| 11 years | $1,867 |
| 13 years | $5,033 |
| 15 years | $8,198 |
| 17 years | $11,364 |
| 19 years | $14,530 |
| 21 years | $17,696 |
| 23 years | $20,861 |
| 25 years | $24,027 |
Top Solar Installers in El Paso
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
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 nearby:
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 El Paso
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in El Paso
The cost of installing a solar system in El Paso can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like El Paso, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in El Paso, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in El Paso is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $22,242 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $30,029 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $38,003 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $46,163 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $54,509 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $63,042 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $71,762 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $80,668 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes 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 El Paso, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in El Paso?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in El Paso?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty 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 consumption and the amount of 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 buy 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.