Is solar worth it in 78521 (Brownsville, TX)?

With an average payback period of 9.1 years and 25-year savings of $37,200, solar panels in Brownsville, Texas are a solid investment.

How much do solar panels cost in 78521?

The average cost of a 6kW residential solar system in Brownsville, Texas is $13,500 before incentives. The federal 30% Investment Tax Credit reduces this to about $9,450.

How much solar electricity does 78521 get?

Brownsville receives 5.94 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance. A 6kW system in zip code 78521 produces approximately 10,407 kWh per year.

Solar Panel ROI in 78521

Brownsville, Texas — Is solar worth it here? Here's what the data says.

2.8x ROI Score

9.1 yrs Payback Period

$1,488/yr Annual Savings

$37,200 25-Year Savings

Your savings estimate

$ /mo bill

Annual savings $1,488

Payback 9.1 yrs

25-yr savings $37,200

Solar Calculator for 78521 (Brownsville)

Adjust values to see your personalized solar ROI estimate for Brownsville, Texas.

System Size

System Cost

Electricity Rate

$ /kWh

Solar Irradiance

5.94 kWh/m²/day

Based on NREL data for Brownsville, TX

ROI Score 2.8x

Annual Production 10,407 kWh

Annual Savings $1,488

Payback Period 9.1 years

25-Year Savings $37,200

After 30% ITC $9,450

Solar Data for 78521 – Brownsville, TX

Solar Irradiance 5.94 kWh/m²/day +19.8% vs national avg

vs Texas Avg +5.3% State avg: 5.38 kWh/m²/day

Electricity Rate $0.143/kWh Texas average rate

Annual Production 10,407 kWh 6kW system estimate

Brownsville gets 5.94 kWh/m²/day (19.8% above national avg) and electricity at $0.143/kWh. The 9.1-year payback represents a solid return — the federal 30% ITC further reduces costs.

Solar Incentives for Brownsville, Texas

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Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Claim 30% of your system cost as a federal tax credit. On a $13,500 system, that's $4,050 back.

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Net Metering

Most Texas utilities offer net metering — sell excess electricity back to the grid at retail rates, accelerating your payback.

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Texas State Programs

Check with the Texas energy office for additional rebates, tax exemptions, and low-interest solar financing programs available in Brownsville.

78521 vs Texas Average

Solar Irradiance

78521: 5.94 TX avg: 5.38

Payback Period

78521: 9.1 yrs TX avg: 10.7 yrs

Annual Savings

78521: $1,488 TX avg: $1,265

25-Year Savings

78521: $37,200 TX avg: $31,625

See the full Texas solar guide for statewide data and incentives.

Nearby Zip Codes — Solar Comparison

78539 Edinburg, TX 2.7x ROI 9.1 yr payback 78501 McAllen, TX 2.8x ROI 9.1 yr payback 78201 San Antonio, TX 2.6x ROI 9.5 yr payback 78251 San Antonio, TX 2.6x ROI 9.5 yr payback 78250 San Antonio, TX 2.6x ROI 9.5 yr payback