Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainview, TX (2024 Update)
- Plainview Solar Installation Cost: $16,458
- 25-Year Savings: $16,447
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plainview
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Plainview.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Plainview, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Plainview homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,458 with the federal tax credit, or $23,535 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Plainview depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Plainview can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plainview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,142 |
| 3 years | $-12,509 |
| 5 years | $-9,877 |
| 7 years | $-7,244 |
| 9 years | $-4,612 |
| 11 years | $-1,980 |
| 13 years | $653 |
| 15 years | $3,285 |
| 17 years | $5,918 |
| 19 years | $8,550 |
| 21 years | $11,182 |
| 23 years | $13,815 |
| 25 years | $16,447 |
Top Solar Installers in Plainview
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Plainview, optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Plainview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainview
For many Plainview homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Plainview, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 falls within your budget.
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 Plainview homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Plainview is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $20,955 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $28,314 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $35,858 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $43,589 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $51,507 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $59,611 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $67,901 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $76,378 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Plainview, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plainview?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most 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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Plainview?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.