Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harlingen, TX (2024 Update)
- Harlingen Solar Installation Cost: $16,449
- 25-Year Savings: $18,729
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harlingen
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Harlingen.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Harlingen, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Harlingen, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,449, or $23,522 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harlingen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,140 |
| 3 years | $-12,523 |
| 5 years | $-9,906 |
| 7 years | $-7,289 |
| 9 years | $-4,672 |
| 11 years | $-2,055 |
| 13 years | $562 |
| 15 years | $3,179 |
| 17 years | $5,796 |
| 19 years | $8,413 |
| 21 years | $11,030 |
| 23 years | $13,647 |
| 25 years | $16,264 |
Top Solar Installers in Harlingen
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Harlingen, 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 Harlingen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harlingen
The cost of installing a solar system in Harlingen can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,330. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Harlingen to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Harlingen homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Harlingen is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $12,677 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $17,276 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $22,061 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $27,033 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $32,191 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $37,536 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $43,067 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $48,785 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects 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:
- 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 past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Harlingen, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harlingen?
The average cost of solar panels in Harlingen 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Harlingen?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Harlingen, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 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 buy 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.