*Prices are shown after applying the 30% federal tax credit.
As of Nov 2024, the average cost of solar panels in San Antonio is $2.72 per watt making a typical 6000 watt (6 kW) solar system $11,439 after claiming the 30% federal solar tax credit now available.
This is lower than the average price of residential solar power systems across the United States which is currently $3.00 per watt.
The size of a solar panel system also plays a role in how much the installation will cost.
Larger solar installations will typically have a lower cost per watt, because the panels can be purchased at a ‘bulk price’. However, these larger solar systems will still have a higher total cost, because they are made up of more individual panels.
System size* | Avg cost per watt |
Avg system cost
(After tax credit) show before tax |
---|---|---|
4kW | $2.92 | $8,182 |
5kW | $2.80 | $9,794 |
6kW | $2.72 | $11,439 |
7kW | $2.70 | $13,240 |
8kW | $2.74 | $15,346 |
9kW | $2.66 | $16,751 |
10kW | $2.63 | $18,426 |
Best unit price
$338.19 ($0.99 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$0.00
($0.00 p/w)
LG340N1C-V5 overview
Rated power
340 watts
Efficiency
19.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$228.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$9,579.65
($1.94 p/w)
LR4-60HPH-380M overview
Rated power
380 watts
Efficiency
20.9
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$196.11 ($0.65 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$9,948.02
($1.95 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-300M overview
Rated power
300 watts
Efficiency
18.1
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$172.00 ($0.56 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$9,568.53
($1.96 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-305M overview
Rated power
305 watts
Efficiency
18.4
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$165.00 ($0.53 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$9,761.72
($1.97 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-310M overview
Rated power
310 watts
Efficiency
18.7
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$234.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$10,126.74
($2.00 p/w)
LR6-72HBD-390M overview
Rated power
390 watts
Efficiency
19.4
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$181.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$11,003.04
($2.16 p/w)
CS6K-300MS overview
Rated power
300 watts
Efficiency
18.33
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$562.50 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,120.18
($2.49 p/w)
LG375A1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$530.85 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,386.87
($2.49 p/w)
LG355Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
355 watts
Efficiency
20.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$323.39 ($0.97 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,691.01
($2.53 p/w)
LG335N1C-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$320.00 ($0.96 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,721.85
($2.53 p/w)
LG335N1K-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$407.97 ($1.10 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.2kW system
$13,159.30
($2.54 p/w)
LG370Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
370 watts
Efficiency
21.4
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$473.34 ($1.30 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$13,231.07
($2.59 p/w)
LG365Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
365 watts
Efficiency
21.1
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$495.00 ($1.38 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,091.06
($2.60 p/w)
LG360Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
20.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$600.00 ($1.83 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,808.41
($2.61 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-COM overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$800.00 ($2.22 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,201.67
($2.62 p/w)
SPR-X22-360 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
22.2
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$432.00 ($1.20 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,276.66
($2.63 p/w)
LG360Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
20.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$430.00 ($1.15 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,919.30
($2.65 p/w)
LG375Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$13,610.59
($2.77 p/w)
SPR-E20-327 overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$13,703.10
($2.79 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-D-AC overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
4.97 606 Reviews
Willie Johnson , 4 days ago
Timely process, great group of people that worked with us both in the office and on the job site. Tesla app makes it super easy to keep an eye on the system. Lakeland electric slowed us down a few weeks bur with the hurricane can't be too upset- ready to save now
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Willie Johnson , 4 days ago
Timely process, great group of people that worked with us both in the office and on the job site. Tesla app makes it super easy to keep an eye on the system. Lakeland electric slowed us down a few weeks bur with the hurricane can't be too upset- ready to save now
4.86 380 Reviews
Jonathan, 1 week ago
Excellent service and staff. Highly recommend. The whole process was done in a timely manner and was left cleaned.
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Jonathan, 1 week ago
Excellent service and staff. Highly recommend. The whole process was done in a timely manner and was left cleaned.
4.78 73 Reviews
Michael and Edith H, over 1 month
Wright-Way was recommended by a friend. Wright-Way is in Tyler, we are in Houston. Contacted them and they responded quickly--willing to work with us, even at the distance. To say the least, Rudy and his staff are knowledgeable and wonderful to work with. Communication was great--in pre-plans, installation, and after installations. I would recommend them whole heartedly!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$11,000 ($2.20 per watt)
Michael and Edith H, over 1 month
Wright-Way was recommended by a friend. Wright-Way is in Tyler, we are in Houston. Contacted them and they responded quickly--willing to work with us, even at the distance. To say the least, Rudy and his staff are knowledgeable and wonderful to work with. Communication was great--in pre-plans, installation, and after installations. I would recommend them whole heartedly!
4.74 551 Reviews
Sonja Donlin, 2 weeks ago
Brian was a great sales person and sold me solar panels and I was supposed to be getting a 500.00 check from EHS after the install. I was told it was mailed however never received. I spoke to Brian and the Hurricane flooded the office but the check would be coming. Well that is several weeks ago now and still no check and Brian does not respond to text messages or emails. I am sure he got his commission , at least that is what it feels like. Communication is very lacking. Very disappointed. This is the second time I have purchased solar panels for a home, and no longer giving EHS the referral. Please honor your end of the sale.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$17,000 ($3.40 per watt)
Sonja Donlin, 2 weeks ago
Brian was a great sales person and sold me solar panels and I was supposed to be getting a 500.00 check from EHS after the install. I was told it was mailed however never received. I spoke to Brian and the Hurricane flooded the office but the check would be coming. Well that is several weeks ago now and still no check and Brian does not respond to text messages or emails. I am sure he got his commission , at least that is what it feels like. Communication is very lacking. Very disappointed. This is the second time I have purchased solar panels for a home, and no longer giving EHS the referral. Please honor your end of the sale.
4.74 141 Reviews
Kristina, over 1 month
We do not recommend Solar CenTex. This is our experience with Solar CenTex. We first came across Solar CenTex at a home and garden show in Bell County. We signed a contract with them in 2018 to have ground mount solar panel array installed behind our home. This project went well, and our system was inspected and commissioned in October. It was not fully operational per the contract until 14 November 2018 because there was a portion of the project that failed to function as specified in the contract. After a month of back and forth, a relatively minor issue was resolved. That system worked well for us after the initial problems were resolved but, we later sold that house, moved and wanted to do solar at our new home. This time, we wanted a grid tied, battery backup so we reached out to sales at Solar CenTex. Sales and the installation crew have saved this from being a 1-star review. The paperwork, contracts and first check for $7k were complete by early July, 2021. The install crew started designing our ground mount carport solar panel array with SolarEdge inverters and LG batteries. All the contracts and electric co-op forms were signed by mid July, 2021 and the install work began in late August/early September of 2021. By the end of September, we believed our system was fully operational and all the necessary paperwork had been handed off to the appropriate agencies. Checks for more than $70k had been cashed by Solar CenTex, the project was complete, per the contract. Not actually the case. We did not find out until 28 April 2022 (contacted by our electric co-op because our meter read very low usage) that we did not have the correct meter installed, the electric co-op did not have a record of our solar and they had not inspected the grid tied install. I spoke with Solar CenTex and they did not share with me why the process was left incomplete. I sent the signed short forms to our electric co-op via e-mail and got on their schedule for an inspection. Our solar install was properly documented and commissioned through the electric co-op on 28 May 2022. Another issue has been with the SolarEdge monitoring app. We were having regular conversations with Solar CenTex about the lack of access to change the battery charging/discharge levels through the SolarEdge app software. We were not able to adjust charging/discharge levels and had to call Solar CenTex prior to weather events and rely on them to adjust the discharge capacity of our batteries. We were disappointed to have installed a system that could only be controlled by the installer. At the time (June 2022) Solar CenTex suggested we had a communication intermittency issue. I asked if that was an issue with cell service and Solar CenTex (owner) replied, “yes the cell service from the inverter.” I contacted SolarEdge directly that evening and the app issue was resolved on 4 June 2022. Solar CenTex (warranty rep) suggested I contact SolarEdge directly and I later let Solar CenTex know when the manufacturer was able to resolve our problem. The install was physically complete in September 2021. We did not have control of this system and its charging capabilities until 4 June of 2022 and on 28 May 2022, we were inspected and properly metered/sanctioned to operate, as a grid tied system, by the electric co-op. Solar CenTex was notified, and no explanation was offered regarding either issue. Where we are now: In December (8 December2022) we noticed half of our system was not producing power or charging the batteries. After working with Solar CenTex, it was determined that the comm card failed. On 20 December Solar CenTex (install crew) came out and installed a comm card Solar CenTex thought might work but turned out to be incompatible with our inverter. Solar CenTex was trying to help get us up and running at full capacity before a cold snap over the Christmas week. Presently (27 January 2023) our system is still working at half of its purchased capability. Before Christmas, we were led to believe the part was on order but hadn’t been shipped from the manufacturer. We have been informed we have an “RMA number” and the part has been approved but no part is available. We have asked to be kept informed regarding when our $70K grid tied, solar equipment will be fully functional. In conclusion of my review of Solar CenTex we have seen a downward trend in their customer service since we first interacted with them in 2018. After the physical install is complete, their attitude toward customers is poor. We hope this is an isolated performance issue on this install and that others have not experienced this many failures in their relationship with Solar CenTex.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$13,000 ($2.60 per watt)
Kristina, over 1 month
We do not recommend Solar CenTex. This is our experience with Solar CenTex. We first came across Solar CenTex at a home and garden show in Bell County. We signed a contract with them in 2018 to have ground mount solar panel array installed behind our home. This project went well, and our system was inspected and commissioned in October. It was not fully operational per the contract until 14 November 2018 because there was a portion of the project that failed to function as specified in the contract. After a month of back and forth, a relatively minor issue was resolved. That system worked well for us after the initial problems were resolved but, we later sold that house, moved and wanted to do solar at our new home. This time, we wanted a grid tied, battery backup so we reached out to sales at Solar CenTex. Sales and the installation crew have saved this from being a 1-star review. The paperwork, contracts and first check for $7k were complete by early July, 2021. The install crew started designing our ground mount carport solar panel array with SolarEdge inverters and LG batteries. All the contracts and electric co-op forms were signed by mid July, 2021 and the install work began in late August/early September of 2021. By the end of September, we believed our system was fully operational and all the necessary paperwork had been handed off to the appropriate agencies. Checks for more than $70k had been cashed by Solar CenTex, the project was complete, per the contract. Not actually the case. We did not find out until 28 April 2022 (contacted by our electric co-op because our meter read very low usage) that we did not have the correct meter installed, the electric co-op did not have a record of our solar and they had not inspected the grid tied install. I spoke with Solar CenTex and they did not share with me why the process was left incomplete. I sent the signed short forms to our electric co-op via e-mail and got on their schedule for an inspection. Our solar install was properly documented and commissioned through the electric co-op on 28 May 2022. Another issue has been with the SolarEdge monitoring app. We were having regular conversations with Solar CenTex about the lack of access to change the battery charging/discharge levels through the SolarEdge app software. We were not able to adjust charging/discharge levels and had to call Solar CenTex prior to weather events and rely on them to adjust the discharge capacity of our batteries. We were disappointed to have installed a system that could only be controlled by the installer. At the time (June 2022) Solar CenTex suggested we had a communication intermittency issue. I asked if that was an issue with cell service and Solar CenTex (owner) replied, “yes the cell service from the inverter.” I contacted SolarEdge directly that evening and the app issue was resolved on 4 June 2022. Solar CenTex (warranty rep) suggested I contact SolarEdge directly and I later let Solar CenTex know when the manufacturer was able to resolve our problem. The install was physically complete in September 2021. We did not have control of this system and its charging capabilities until 4 June of 2022 and on 28 May 2022, we were inspected and properly metered/sanctioned to operate, as a grid tied system, by the electric co-op. Solar CenTex was notified, and no explanation was offered regarding either issue. Where we are now: In December (8 December2022) we noticed half of our system was not producing power or charging the batteries. After working with Solar CenTex, it was determined that the comm card failed. On 20 December Solar CenTex (install crew) came out and installed a comm card Solar CenTex thought might work but turned out to be incompatible with our inverter. Solar CenTex was trying to help get us up and running at full capacity before a cold snap over the Christmas week. Presently (27 January 2023) our system is still working at half of its purchased capability. Before Christmas, we were led to believe the part was on order but hadn’t been shipped from the manufacturer. We have been informed we have an “RMA number” and the part has been approved but no part is available. We have asked to be kept informed regarding when our $70K grid tied, solar equipment will be fully functional. In conclusion of my review of Solar CenTex we have seen a downward trend in their customer service since we first interacted with them in 2018. After the physical install is complete, their attitude toward customers is poor. We hope this is an isolated performance issue on this install and that others have not experienced this many failures in their relationship with Solar CenTex.
4.73 662 Reviews
Joshua Bentley, over 1 month
They worked with me so professionally. The only slowdowns were on consumer end and they were so patient and polite. Tulsa shine solar office. Hmm. ;) Excellent work lads and lassies.
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Joshua Bentley, over 1 month
They worked with me so professionally. The only slowdowns were on consumer end and they were so patient and polite. Tulsa shine solar office. Hmm. ;) Excellent work lads and lassies.
4.69 358 Reviews
George and Nancy Hoites, over 1 month
Shane was sent to us by Sunlux to look at our solar because we had higher than usual electric bills. He looked at the system and discovered our air conditioning was malfunctioning. Shane was extremely professional and knowledgeable. He was also courteous and patient with our numerous questions. We are very grateful for his help.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$15,150 ($3.03 per watt)
George and Nancy Hoites, over 1 month
Shane was sent to us by Sunlux to look at our solar because we had higher than usual electric bills. He looked at the system and discovered our air conditioning was malfunctioning. Shane was extremely professional and knowledgeable. He was also courteous and patient with our numerous questions. We are very grateful for his help.
4.67 60 Reviews
Ron Hardy, 3 weeks ago
Good company and people to work together and provide great service. Very professional and knowledgeable.
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Ron Hardy, 3 weeks ago
Good company and people to work together and provide great service. Very professional and knowledgeable.
4.66 121 Reviews
Dennis Hampton, over 1 month
Circle L Solar is the best! From Taylor R. to the install team, they did an amazing job! Finished in one day as promised, and I am producing above the KWh I was hoping for! Thank you team!
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Dennis Hampton, over 1 month
Circle L Solar is the best! From Taylor R. to the install team, they did an amazing job! Finished in one day as promised, and I am producing above the KWh I was hoping for! Thank you team!
4.64 360 Reviews
Cecil, 4 days ago
We were looking for a reputable company to install 15KW solar system along with 2 Powerwall 3's, and decided to go with Longhorn Solar after weeks of comparing options. Right off the bat, Jameson went above and beyond to explain the process, the design, and financing while being fully transparent unlike some other installers that we spoke with. Jameson was extremely professional and easy to work with and gave us full confidence that we were making the right choice. Once we made the deal, Fhilecya kept us fully informed on the permitting process and efficiently got everything ready to start the install within a month. The install crew was professional and respectful. However, there were some design changes they made I wasn't informed of due to roof air vent location, but Fhilecya and David quickly resolved the issue and addressed any concerns I had. David came back few days later for final inspection to bring the entire system online, and he was very helpful while explaining all the details of Powerwalls and solar system. Lastly, when I noticed few uneven panels and notified David, they sent the install crew back out the next day to fix the issue which was greatly appreciated. The system is working perfectly and producing much more than estimated on the proposal so far. I couldn't be happier how easy the entire process was and how Longhorn Solar handled everything, will definitely be recommending them to neighbors and coming back to them for any future services
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$17,200 ($3.44 per watt)
Cecil, 4 days ago
We were looking for a reputable company to install 15KW solar system along with 2 Powerwall 3's, and decided to go with Longhorn Solar after weeks of comparing options. Right off the bat, Jameson went above and beyond to explain the process, the design, and financing while being fully transparent unlike some other installers that we spoke with. Jameson was extremely professional and easy to work with and gave us full confidence that we were making the right choice. Once we made the deal, Fhilecya kept us fully informed on the permitting process and efficiently got everything ready to start the install within a month. The install crew was professional and respectful. However, there were some design changes they made I wasn't informed of due to roof air vent location, but Fhilecya and David quickly resolved the issue and addressed any concerns I had. David came back few days later for final inspection to bring the entire system online, and he was very helpful while explaining all the details of Powerwalls and solar system. Lastly, when I noticed few uneven panels and notified David, they sent the install crew back out the next day to fix the issue which was greatly appreciated. The system is working perfectly and producing much more than estimated on the proposal so far. I couldn't be happier how easy the entire process was and how Longhorn Solar handled everything, will definitely be recommending them to neighbors and coming back to them for any future services
Where there is no specific pricing information available for a brand then we have used state pricing data for that brand.
Solar panel manufacturer | Avg. cost per watt |
---|---|
Canadian Solar | $2.65 |
LONGi Solar | $2.61 |
LG Solar | $2.85 |
Panasonic | $2.87 |
SunPower | $2.91 |
The most important difference between buying solar panels and any other purchase is that solar panels last 25-30 years. This is a long, long time and you will need customer service over all that time. The reviews below of the two largest corporate solar installation companies indicate larger corporate solar companies are not delivering this support to their customers.
We recommend you find a small or mid-size, local, family-owned solar company. These companies tend to care more about you and your specific job. You don't want to be on hold to a corporation's call center for the next 25 years!
The cost of solar doesn't just include the equipment and installation costs - it’s also made up of permitting costs, inspection costs, and installer profit margins.
These different components are what make the price of solar fluctuate between installations. Some of the factors that affect solar power system installation costs for specific homes include:
Homes that use more electricity will need more solar panels to cover their energy needs.
Although solar panels do get cheaper on a per-watt basis, the overall cost of the system will increase as more panels are added.
But, the higher a home’s energy usage, the more solar panels can save the homeowners on their energy bills.
The price of solar panels can vary depending on the type of solar panels you choose.
There are two main types of solar panels for residential solar installations: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline solar panels tend to be more efficient and more expensive than other solar panels. Polycrystalline panels have a lower efficiency rating and come at a lower price point.
The type of inverter you buy will also influence the cost of your solar system.
You may see some solar quotes with prices that seem too good to be true.
If you get quoted for a ridiculously cheap price, the installer might be using low-quality equipment or an unsustainable pricing model. You want to use a solar installer that is charging enough so that they can stay in business - as you’ll be relying on them for the next 25 years!
It’s important to make sure that your installer is giving you the best quality at the best price possible. This is why getting multiple solar quotes is so important.
The overall cost of solar can be influenced by the solar incentives available.
Across the U.S., homeowners can apply for the federal solar tax credit. The solar tax credit makes installing solar more cost-effective by providing homeowners with a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of their installed solar panel system.
Local solar tax incentives and rebates can end up saving homeowners thousands on a solar installation, especially when they’re used with the federal solar tax credit.
See what solar incentives are available in your area by using our solar panel calculator.
The cost of installing residential solar panels in San Antonio varies with the brand of solar panels and inverters you choose, the installation company you choose to install them, the relative ease or difficulty of installing solar panels on your home, and of course the amount of solar panels you need. The amount of solar panels you need is, in turn, related to your energy usage.
The table below shows the data extracted from a real life quote delivered through the SolarReviews marketplace recently for a fairly typical home in San Antonio.
As you can see the payback period is relatively short and equates to a much better return on investment than he historical returns that have been available from investing in things like shares or property.
System information | Value |
---|---|
System Size (for 100% usage offset) | 10.47 kW |
Annual power generation | 13,042 kWh |
Pay-back time (assuming Cash purchase) | 9.6 Years |
Internal rate of return (IRR) on investment | 5.9% |
Gross cost | $27,803 |
Total Upfront Incentives and Rebates | -$7,228 |
Net Cost of System after rebated and incentives | $20,571 |
Total Cost of Utility Power Avoided over 25 years | $68,858 |