Solar Panel Cost Guide in Baytown, TX (2024 Update)
- Baytown Solar Installation Cost: $17,538
- 25-Year Savings: $21,152
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Baytown
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Baytown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Baytown it’s 3 per watt.Because a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Baytown, the average price of going solar will be about $17,538 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Baytown homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Baytown find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Baytown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Baytown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,240 |
| 3 years | $-13,643 |
| 5 years | $-11,046 |
| 7 years | $-8,448 |
| 9 years | $-5,851 |
| 11 years | $-3,254 |
| 13 years | $-657 |
| 15 years | $1,940 |
| 17 years | $4,537 |
| 19 years | $7,134 |
| 21 years | $9,732 |
| 23 years | $12,329 |
| 25 years | $14,926 |
Top Solar Installers in Baytown
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Baytown, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Baytown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Baytown
For many Baytown homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Baytown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Baytown, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Baytown, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $13,620 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,533 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $23,632 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,918 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $34,391 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $40,049 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $45,895 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $51,926 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Baytown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Baytown, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Baytown?
The average cost of solar panels in Baytown 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Baytown?
Solar panels aren’t free in Baytown, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Baytown?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.