Solar Panel Cost in Austin TX – HESOLAR

The solar panel cost below is generalized for the Greater Austin Texas area. Use the table below get a quick grasp of what solar power systems cost. Please consult a CPA for Federal Tax Credit applicability. (NOTE: Austin Energy has an additional rebate. AE customers can visit our Austin Solar Panel Installation Page for more information.)

Cost per Watt: You may have experience pricing homes by the squarefoot (Example: A home in Neighborhood X  is $130/sqft and a home in Neighborhood Y is $250/sqft). The Solar industry uses a similar practice and compares solar panel pricing using Cost per Watt.

For example: Let’s take an 8kW (8000 Watts) system that costs $23,000.  $23,000 / 8,000 = $2.88/watt

The $2.88 per Watt will make it easier to compare prices between various solar companies.

Solar modules can vary in color, material, size, and origin. Black-framed modules are slightly more expensive than silver-framed modules. Polycrystalline and monocrystalline technology are available and differ in looks, production, and cost. The main factor in solar module price is dependent on who makes the module. The following questions should be asked when comparing products:

1. How long has the company been in business?
2. How do the Solar Panels perform in the Austin Texas Heat?
3. How efficient are the solar modules?
4. What is the Product Warranty?
5. What is the Performance Guarantee?

In 2018 a 30% tariff was placed on imported solar panels. HESOLAR uses Premium Solar Panels and will not be increasing prices. Special attention should be paid to the brand of the module and who will be supplying the warranty. Solar companies have gone out of business in the USA and overseas, so choosing a well-known brand is a safe bet when relying on the 25 year production warranty. We created the HESOLAR Test Array in 2017 to create a Local Austin Solar Panels Comparison. Here you can see the differences between 2018’s top solar panels. Solar modules should be listed as UL1703 and solar inverters should be listed as UL1741.

Different types of inverters are available and the individual inverters can vary in price. Like solar modules, special attention should be paid to the manufacturer’s reputation and point of origin.

String Inverters: $$

String inverters are the economical option for non-shaded solar arrays. String inverters usually have a 10 year warranty that is extendable to 25 years. The cost to replace the inverter should be considered when calculating the return-on-investment of the solar photovoltaic system. String Inverters will be required to be paired with electronics on the roof in 2019. This is a National Electrical Code requirement that requires Voltage be limited under the solar array.

Micro Inverters: $$$

Micro inverters are utilized for shade prone areas and roofs with multiple orientations. Micro inverters are more expensive than string inverters and the cost difference varies on the size of the solar photovoltaic system. Most micro inverters carry a 25 year limited warranty. The warranty should be considered when comparing the cost to a string inverter system. It should also be noted that micro inverter replacement is much more labor intensive when compared to string inverter replacement.

DC Optimizers: $$$

DC Optimizers are coupled with string inverters to maximize production and eliminate shade issues. DC Optimizers coupled with string inverters usually cost as much as micro inverters or slightly less. DC Optimizers meet the new National Electric Code requirements, offer module level monitoring. DC Optimizers have fewer critical electronics in high heat areas (on the roof) when compared to micro inverters. Learn more about Solar Inverters.

Roof Mount Cost

Solar Roof Mount is the most common application in the USA and usually the lowest prices are achieved by placing solar on the roof of a building. However, the cost is dependent on roof conditions:

1. Slope – Low slopes are easy to work on and reduce the cost in labor. Slopes more than 35 degrees typically cost more as the increase in steepness.
2. Material – Asphalt shingles and standing seam metal roofs are easiest to work on usually represent the generic price when looking at average solar rates. Tile, wood shake, and other materials increase the price of installation because extra considerations must be taken and less common material may be requested.

Ground Mount Cost

Ground mount solar is a great method of attachment when roof attachment isn’t an option. There are many options for ground mount framing systems and the price can vary depending on a few factors:

1. Soil-conditions – The price can vary depending on the work-ability of the soil in your location. Concrete foundations are used in most cases.
2. Distance from interconnection point – Trenching and increased price of wire can increase the price of the solar installation.

Solar Structure Cost

Solar Carport and custom designed solar structures usually cost more than the average cost of installation. The additional cost can sometimes be factored into the savings from using solar as a building function (ex. carport, pergola, canopy). Visit our Austin Solar Panel Installation page for additional information.

The solar install can sometimes be as simple as connecting the inverter to your electric panel. It should be assumed that long conduit paths, transformers, additional disconnects, batteries, and other equipment will increase the price of solar installation. Solar incentives have helped drive the industry and continue to make solar more affordable for consumers. Incentives vary depending on the structure classification for tax credits and local incentives. For example, a residential property in Austin, Texas is eligible for an Austin Energy Rebate as well as a Federal Tax Credit.