Solar Panel Cost Guide in Richwood, TX (2024 Update)
- Richwood Solar Installation Cost: $17,014
- 25-Year Savings: $23,444
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Richwood
We break down average solar pricing in Richwood.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Richwood it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Richwood, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,014, or $24,330 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $20,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Richwood find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Richwood for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Richwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,552 |
| 3 years | $-12,629 |
| 5 years | $-9,706 |
| 7 years | $-6,783 |
| 9 years | $-3,860 |
| 11 years | $-937 |
| 13 years | $1,986 |
| 15 years | $4,909 |
| 17 years | $7,832 |
| 19 years | $10,755 |
| 21 years | $13,678 |
| 23 years | $16,601 |
| 25 years | $19,524 |
Top Solar Installers in Richwood
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Richwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Richwood
The cost of installing a solar system in Richwood can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you choose 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 more 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
Most solar installers in Richwood have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Richwood, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $16,024 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $21,739 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $27,640 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $33,727 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $40,001 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $46,461 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $53,108 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $59,942 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, 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: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind 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.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, 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 Richwood, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Richwood?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Richwood, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know 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 household 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.