Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellaire, TX (2023 Update)
- Bellaire Solar Installation Cost: $14,386
- 25-Year Savings: $22,802
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellaire
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Bellaire.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bellaire it's 2.69 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $14,386 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Bellaire homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Bellaire for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bellaire
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,899 |
| 3 years | $-9,924 |
| 5 years | $-6,949 |
| 7 years | $-3,974 |
| 9 years | $-999 |
| 11 years | $1,976 |
| 13 years | $4,952 |
| 15 years | $7,927 |
| 17 years | $10,902 |
| 19 years | $13,877 |
| 21 years | $16,852 |
| 23 years | $19,827 |
| 25 years | $22,802 |
Top Solar Installers in Bellaire
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Bellaire
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellaire
The cost of installing a solar system in Bellaire can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bellaire, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bellaire to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Bellaire, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to 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 lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.80 | $11,750 | $17,437 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,551 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,815 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,230 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,795 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,512 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $56,378 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $63,396 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
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 Bellaire, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bellaire?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bellaire?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Installing solar panels on 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 $840,000, so you could be looking at a value of about $34,440 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install 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.