Solar Panel Cost Guide in Round Rock, TX (2024 Update)
- Round Rock Solar Installation Cost: $17,584
- 25-Year Savings: $22,410
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Round Rock
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Round Rock.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Round Rock, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Round Rock homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,584 with the federal tax credit, or $25,145 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Round Rock can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Round Rock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,162 |
| 3 years | $-13,317 |
| 5 years | $-10,472 |
| 7 years | $-7,628 |
| 9 years | $-4,783 |
| 11 years | $-1,938 |
| 13 years | $906 |
| 15 years | $3,751 |
| 17 years | $6,595 |
| 19 years | $9,440 |
| 21 years | $12,285 |
| 23 years | $15,129 |
| 25 years | $17,974 |
Top Solar Installers in Round Rock
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Round Rock:
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 Round Rock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Round Rock
There are several criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,330. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Round Rock to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much you pay. Round Rock’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more 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 down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $14,577 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,809 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,227 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,832 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,623 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,601 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,765 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $55,116 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Round Rock, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Round Rock, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Round Rock?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority 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 power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.