Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillsboro, TX (2024 Update)
- Hillsboro Solar Installation Cost: $17,718
- 25-Year Savings: $21,190
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillsboro
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Hillsboro.
The average cost of solar panels in Hillsboro is 3 per watt.Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Hillsboro, the average price of going solar will be about $17,718 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Hillsboro based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Hillsboro homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hillsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,356 |
| 3 years | $-13,634 |
| 5 years | $-10,911 |
| 7 years | $-8,189 |
| 9 years | $-5,466 |
| 11 years | $-2,744 |
| 13 years | $-21 |
| 15 years | $2,701 |
| 17 years | $5,424 |
| 19 years | $8,147 |
| 21 years | $10,869 |
| 23 years | $13,592 |
| 25 years | $16,314 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillsboro
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. Another advantage of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar company in Hillsboro, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Hillsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillsboro
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Hillsboro is $17,718, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,330 per kilowatt in Hillsboro.The 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 over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hillsboro average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hillsboro to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Hillsboro homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $13,479 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,345 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $23,397 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,636 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $34,062 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $39,674 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $45,472 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $51,457 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, 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 Hillsboro, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hillsboro?
The average cost of solar panels in Hillsboro is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hillsboro?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Hillsboro?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct 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?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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 house 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.