Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plano, TX (2024 Update)
- Plano Solar Installation Cost: $17,939
- 25-Year Savings: $23,510
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plano
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Plano.
In Plano, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Plano, the average price of going solar will be about $17,939 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Plano depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the high initial cost, the average Plano homeowner can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Plano
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,544 |
| 3 years | $-13,756 |
| 5 years | $-10,967 |
| 7 years | $-8,179 |
| 9 years | $-5,390 |
| 11 years | $-2,601 |
| 13 years | $187 |
| 15 years | $2,976 |
| 17 years | $5,765 |
| 19 years | $8,553 |
| 21 years | $11,342 |
| 23 years | $14,130 |
| 25 years | $16,919 |
Top Solar Installers in Plano
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Plano
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plano
For many Plano homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Plano, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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, your total will most likely increase by around $3,330. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Plano average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Plano homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Plano is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,082 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $20,483 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $26,069 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $31,843 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $37,803 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $43,949 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $50,282 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $56,801 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Plano, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. 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 Plano, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plano?
The average cost of solar panels in Plano 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 consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great 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 energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Plano?
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.