Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bridge City, TX (2023 Update)
- Bridge City Solar Installation Cost: $14,367
- 25-Year Savings: $20,952
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bridge City
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bridge City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bridge City it's 2.69 per watt. The average Bridge City homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,367 with the federal tax credit, or $20,545 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bridge City homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Bridge City see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bridge City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,955 |
| 3 years | $-10,129 |
| 5 years | $-7,303 |
| 7 years | $-4,478 |
| 9 years | $-1,652 |
| 11 years | $1,173 |
| 13 years | $3,999 |
| 15 years | $6,824 |
| 17 years | $9,650 |
| 19 years | $12,476 |
| 21 years | $15,301 |
| 23 years | $18,127 |
| 25 years | $20,952 |
Top Solar Installers in Bridge City
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want 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
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,690. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just 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 challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Bridge City, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Bridge City's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $16,010 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $21,648 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $27,437 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $33,376 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $39,466 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $45,707 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $52,098 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $58,640 | 9.2 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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bridge City?
The average cost of solar panels in Bridge City is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bridge City?
You can't get solar panels for free in Bridge City. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your home 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 Bridge City is currently $115,263, which means you can look forward to a value of about $4,726 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bridge City is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 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.