Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Porte, TX (2023 Update)
- La Porte Solar Installation Cost: $14,386
- 25-Year Savings: $22,802
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Porte
We go over average solar pricing in La Porte.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in La Porte typically cost about 2.69. The average La Porte homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,386 with the federal tax credit, or $20,572 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in La Porte depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in La Porte can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer 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 | $-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 La Porte
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in La Porte:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 a number of 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 installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,690 per kilowatt in La Porte. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in La Porte to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in La Porte, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 large number of companies available in La Porte, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in La Porte?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in La Porte?
You can't get solar panels for free in La Porte. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 get 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.