*Prices are shown after applying the 30% federal tax credit.
As of Oct 2023, 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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
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
$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
$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
$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
$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
4.96 370 Reviews
Johnny w, 3 days ago
Fantastic job and customer service from affordable had some delays that were addressed as best as they could be from them but even with that being said it was still a reasonable time for the panels to be installed and then inspected and turned on. They were friendly and helpful during all of it I am happy with the work that was done it’s clean and professional they are a professional company and very well rounded in my opinion. They even took care of all the HOA paperwork
Read more
Johnny w, 3 days ago
Fantastic job and customer service from affordable had some delays that were addressed as best as they could be from them but even with that being said it was still a reasonable time for the panels to be installed and then inspected and turned on. They were friendly and helpful during all of it I am happy with the work that was done it’s clean and professional they are a professional company and very well rounded in my opinion. They even took care of all the HOA paperwork
4.80 69 Reviews
Plumberdude, over 1 month
The company was easy to deal with from start to finish. They did what they said they were going to do and even finished a day early. The people were courteous and knowledgeable.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$11,000 ($2.20 per watt)
Plumberdude, over 1 month
The company was easy to deal with from start to finish. They did what they said they were going to do and even finished a day early. The people were courteous and knowledgeable.
4.79 320 Reviews
Paul Ponzeka, 4 days ago
Best contractor I have ever worked with. Everything was well communicated, their office was responsive, and they had the best project management i've ever seen. They outlined how long it would take for their part, how permitted would work, and how my energy company (eversource) would be the limited factor in turning on the system. Honestly cant recommend them enough!
Read more
Paul Ponzeka, 4 days ago
Best contractor I have ever worked with. Everything was well communicated, their office was responsive, and they had the best project management i've ever seen. They outlined how long it would take for their part, how permitted would work, and how my energy company (eversource) would be the limited factor in turning on the system. Honestly cant recommend them enough!
4.79 494 Reviews
Derrick Heron , 1 week ago
Well done!!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$17,000 ($3.40 per watt)
Derrick Heron , 1 week ago
Well done!!
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.
4.69 58 Reviews
Allison, over 1 month
After my husband spent many hours researching and talking to several companies, we decided to go with SolarTime. This is a family owned company and made him feel very comfortable in every interaction. Most of the initial interactions and conversations he had were with Jason, and Jason kindly and thoroughly answered every question (and my husband had a LOT of questions). Kathryn, our install manager, kept us in the loop the entire process once the install process began. The entire process from when we signed the contract to when we were producing our own energy only took about 5 weeks (and that was with us pushing the installation of the panels back 1 week because we were going to be out of town when they initially wanted to install them). I was very skeptical when we started to think about spending the money to install solar panels, but company has been great to work with, and I would recommend them to anyone who is ready to start significantly cutting back on your energy bills!
Read more
Allison, over 1 month
After my husband spent many hours researching and talking to several companies, we decided to go with SolarTime. This is a family owned company and made him feel very comfortable in every interaction. Most of the initial interactions and conversations he had were with Jason, and Jason kindly and thoroughly answered every question (and my husband had a LOT of questions). Kathryn, our install manager, kept us in the loop the entire process once the install process began. The entire process from when we signed the contract to when we were producing our own energy only took about 5 weeks (and that was with us pushing the installation of the panels back 1 week because we were going to be out of town when they initially wanted to install them). I was very skeptical when we started to think about spending the money to install solar panels, but company has been great to work with, and I would recommend them to anyone who is ready to start significantly cutting back on your energy bills!
4.66 352 Reviews
Richard N, 1 week ago
My system was installed around 4 years ago. I upgraded and added 5 panels last year. Just had a $550 bill and a projected this month bill of another $500+ and after multiple emails, calls and service tickets over the past two weeks still no call or care to have someone come and look at it and fix it. They only seem to care about install and after that they just don't care.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$15,150 ($3.03 per watt)
Richard N, 1 week ago
My system was installed around 4 years ago. I upgraded and added 5 panels last year. Just had a $550 bill and a projected this month bill of another $500+ and after multiple emails, calls and service tickets over the past two weeks still no call or care to have someone come and look at it and fix it. They only seem to care about install and after that they just don't care.
4.66 118 Reviews
WW76, over 1 month
Brandon sat down with me for an hour to ensure I understood everything about solar panels. He cleared up any myths that other companies filled my head with and made the process easy. Within a few weeks my panels were installed. Highly recommend Solar L Solar.
Read more
WW76, over 1 month
Brandon sat down with me for an hour to ensure I understood everything about solar panels. He cleared up any myths that other companies filled my head with and made the process easy. Within a few weeks my panels were installed. Highly recommend Solar L Solar.
4.63 355 Reviews
David, over 1 month
We got our 12kw system about 10 years ago. The first couple of years, they called me regularly to make sure everything was running well. A year ago, I noticed one of my inverters was showing zero amperage. I called to report it. About 2 months later someone finally called, saying they’d check it out and let me know. I never heard back. I’ve called 6-7 more times, and no one calls me back. I called again 5 days ago. A woman called 2 days later saying someone would call me in 48 hours. I’m still waiting! Unacceptable.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$17,200 ($3.44 per watt)
David, over 1 month
We got our 12kw system about 10 years ago. The first couple of years, they called me regularly to make sure everything was running well. A year ago, I noticed one of my inverters was showing zero amperage. I called to report it. About 2 months later someone finally called, saying they’d check it out and let me know. I never heard back. I’ve called 6-7 more times, and no one calls me back. I called again 5 days ago. A woman called 2 days later saying someone would call me in 48 hours. I’m still waiting! Unacceptable.
4.60 78 Reviews
K. Riordan, 6 days ago
We had our panels installed in February of 2022. Our inverter has been out for months now and our sells rep. Chris kept insuring us that someone would be out to fix the problem. Now they never return our calls or answer our calls. No one at the company will give me a name or number of someone else to talk to and state we have to go through Chris. We now not only have a high electrical bill, but a bill for Solar panels that are useless. If you are thinking about getting solar panels, I would do a lot of research prior to deciding on this company and even if solar panels are worth it in the end.
Read more
K. Riordan, 6 days ago
We had our panels installed in February of 2022. Our inverter has been out for months now and our sells rep. Chris kept insuring us that someone would be out to fix the problem. Now they never return our calls or answer our calls. No one at the company will give me a name or number of someone else to talk to and state we have to go through Chris. We now not only have a high electrical bill, but a bill for Solar panels that are useless. If you are thinking about getting solar panels, I would do a lot of research prior to deciding on this company and even if solar panels are worth it in the end.
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 |
LG Solar | $2.85 |
SunPower | $2.91 |
Panasonic | $2.87 |
LONGi Solar | $2.61 |
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 |
Please note that the investment return figures do not include the possible increase in property value