Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bay City, TX (2024 Update)
- Bay City Solar Installation Cost: $16,462
- 25-Year Savings: $24,771
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bay City
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Bay City.
In Bay City, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Bay City is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,462 for a solar installation, or $23,541 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Bay City depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the high initial cost, the average Bay City homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bay City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,001 |
| 3 years | $-12,078 |
| 5 years | $-9,155 |
| 7 years | $-6,232 |
| 9 years | $-3,309 |
| 11 years | $-386 |
| 13 years | $2,537 |
| 15 years | $5,460 |
| 17 years | $8,383 |
| 19 years | $11,306 |
| 21 years | $14,229 |
| 23 years | $17,152 |
| 25 years | $20,075 |
Top Solar Installers in Bay City
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Bay City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bay City
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Bay City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bay City have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Bay City, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 discount 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 | $17,797 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $24,102 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $30,594 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $37,272 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $44,137 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $51,188 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $58,426 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $65,850 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Bay City, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bay City?
The average cost of solar panels in Bay City is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bay City?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bay City?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Bay City?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.