Solar Panel Cost Guide in Leander, TX (2024 Update)
- Leander Solar Installation Cost: $17,584
- 25-Year Savings: $21,563
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Leander
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Leander.
In Leander, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Leander, the average price of going solar will be about $17,584 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Leander homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Leander, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Leander
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,163 |
| 3 years | $-13,321 |
| 5 years | $-10,479 |
| 7 years | $-7,637 |
| 9 years | $-4,795 |
| 11 years | $-1,953 |
| 13 years | $889 |
| 15 years | $3,731 |
| 17 years | $6,573 |
| 19 years | $9,415 |
| 21 years | $12,257 |
| 23 years | $15,099 |
| 25 years | $17,941 |
Top Solar Installers in Leander
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another great thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Leander
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Leander
There are a number of criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,330. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Leander, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Leander homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Leander, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 is 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 | $13,903 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,911 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $24,105 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $29,485 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $35,052 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $40,805 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $46,745 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $52,871 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Leander, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Leander, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Leander?
The average cost of solar panels in Leander 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Leander?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Leander?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Leander?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.