Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Leon, TX (2024 Update)
- San Leon Solar Installation Cost: $16,726
- 25-Year Savings: $23,676
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Leon
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in San Leon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in San Leon it’s 3 per watt.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in San Leon, the average price of going solar will be about $16,726 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in San Leon based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in San Leon find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in San Leon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,305 |
| 3 years | $-12,463 |
| 5 years | $-9,621 |
| 7 years | $-6,779 |
| 9 years | $-3,936 |
| 11 years | $-1,094 |
| 13 years | $1,748 |
| 15 years | $4,590 |
| 17 years | $7,432 |
| 19 years | $10,274 |
| 21 years | $13,117 |
| 23 years | $15,959 |
| 25 years | $18,801 |
Top Solar Installers in San Leon
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels 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 San Leon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Leon
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like San Leon, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. San Leon’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $16,550 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $22,440 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $28,516 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $34,778 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $41,227 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $47,863 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $54,685 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $61,694 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 San Leon, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Leon?
The average cost of solar panels in San Leon 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout San Leon, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 typically 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.