Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellaire, TX (2024 Update)

  • Bellaire Solar Installation Cost: $17,820
  • 25-Year Savings: $27,919
  • Payback Period: 12.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellaire

We break down average solar pricing in Bellaire.

In Bellaire, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Bellaire homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,820 with the federal tax credit, or $25,483 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bellaire homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bellaire find going solar has a decent ROI.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bellaire

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,990
3 years$-12,331
5 years$-8,672
7 years$-5,013
9 years$-1,354
11 years$2,305
13 years$5,965
15 years$9,624
17 years$13,283
19 years$16,942
21 years$20,601
23 years$24,260
25 years$27,919

Top Solar Installers in Bellaire

When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Bellaire

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellaire

There are several factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Bellaire, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Bellaire offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bellaire is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.46$14,545$14,64112.5 years
8 kW$3.40$19,021$19,89512.2 years
10 kW$3.33$23,310$25,33512.0 years
12 kW$3.26$27,413$30,96111.7 years
14 kW$3.20$31,329$36,77411.5 years
16 kW$3.13$35,058$42,77411.3 years
18 kW$3.06$38,601$48,95911.0 years
20 kW$3.00$41,958$55,33210.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid 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.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Bellaire, TX Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bellaire?

The average cost of solar panels in Bellaire 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Bellaire?

Solar panels aren’t free in Bellaire, 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 help lower the cost.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bellaire is currently $1,005,759, so you could be looking at a value of about $41,236 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bellaire is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in Bellaire?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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.