Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elsa, TX (2024 Update)
- Elsa 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 Elsa
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Elsa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Elsa it’s 3 per watt.Because a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Elsa, the average price of going solar will be about $16,573 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Elsa homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elsa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,151 |
| 3 years | $-12,309 |
| 5 years | $-9,467 |
| 7 years | $-6,625 |
| 9 years | $-3,783 |
| 11 years | $-941 |
| 13 years | $1,901 |
| 15 years | $4,744 |
| 17 years | $7,586 |
| 19 years | $10,428 |
| 21 years | $13,270 |
| 23 years | $16,112 |
| 25 years | $18,954 |
Top Solar Installers in Elsa
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Elsa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elsa
Although the average cost of a solar system in Elsa 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 system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Elsa, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Elsa 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 Elsa homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within 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 | $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 solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Elsa, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Elsa?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Elsa?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Elsa. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for 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 a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.