Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bridge City, TX (2024 Update)
- Bridge City Solar Installation Cost: $17,794
- 25-Year Savings: $20,945
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bridge City
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bridge City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bridge City it’s 3 per watt.The average Bridge City homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,794 with the federal tax credit, or $25,445 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bridge City find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Bridge City for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bridge City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,496 |
| 3 years | $-13,899 |
| 5 years | $-11,302 |
| 7 years | $-8,704 |
| 9 years | $-6,107 |
| 11 years | $-3,510 |
| 13 years | $-913 |
| 15 years | $1,684 |
| 17 years | $4,281 |
| 19 years | $6,878 |
| 21 years | $9,475 |
| 23 years | $12,073 |
| 25 years | $14,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Bridge City
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Bridge City, the EcoWatch team has 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 Bridge City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bridge City
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Bridge 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Bridge City, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bridge City to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Bridge City have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $13,215 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $17,992 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $22,957 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,108 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $33,445 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $38,969 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $44,679 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $50,576 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Long-standing 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 quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for 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 mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Bridge City, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bridge City?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Bridge City?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Bridge City, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Bridge City?
Though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.