Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Porte, TX (2024 Update)
- La Porte Solar Installation Cost: $17,820
- 25-Year Savings: $22,793
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Porte
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in La Porte.
In La Porte, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in La Porte, the average price of going solar will be about $17,820 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average La Porte homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in La Porte find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in La Porte that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in La Porte
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,399 |
| 3 years | $-13,557 |
| 5 years | $-10,714 |
| 7 years | $-7,872 |
| 9 years | $-5,030 |
| 11 years | $-2,188 |
| 13 years | $654 |
| 15 years | $3,496 |
| 17 years | $6,339 |
| 19 years | $9,181 |
| 21 years | $12,023 |
| 23 years | $14,865 |
| 25 years | $17,707 |
Top Solar Installers in La Porte
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of going with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 La Porte
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Porte
There are many criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,330. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like La Porte, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many La Porte homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in La Porte, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $14,641 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,895 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,335 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,961 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,774 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,774 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,959 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $55,332 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in La Porte, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- 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 your solar system’s energy production.
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 La Porte, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in La Porte?
The average cost of solar panels in La Porte 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in La Porte is currently $251,117, so you can look forward to a value of about $10,296 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in La Porte is a worthwhile 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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.