Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gonzales, TX (2024 Update)
- Gonzales Solar Installation Cost: $17,512
- 25-Year Savings: $23,456
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gonzales
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Gonzales.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gonzales generally cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $17,512 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gonzales
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,184 |
| 3 years | $-13,529 |
| 5 years | $-10,873 |
| 7 years | $-8,218 |
| 9 years | $-5,562 |
| 11 years | $-2,907 |
| 13 years | $-251 |
| 15 years | $2,404 |
| 17 years | $5,060 |
| 19 years | $7,715 |
| 21 years | $10,371 |
| 23 years | $13,026 |
| 25 years | $15,682 |
Top Solar Installers in Gonzales
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Gonzales, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Gonzales
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gonzales
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Gonzales: 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Gonzales offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Gonzales, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $15,486 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $21,021 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $26,742 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $32,650 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $38,745 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $45,025 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $51,493 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $58,147 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Gonzales, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gonzales?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Gonzales?
Solar panels aren’t free in Gonzales, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, 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 Gonzales?
Solar panels can be a beneficial 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.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 install 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.