Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake Jackson, TX (2023 Update)
- Lake Jackson Solar Installation Cost: $13,746
- 25-Year Savings: $23,880
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake Jackson
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Lake Jackson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lake Jackson it's 2.69 per watt. Because a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Lake Jackson, the average price of going solar will be about $13,746 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on power bills.
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 Lake Jackson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,241 |
| 3 years | $-9,231 |
| 5 years | $-6,221 |
| 7 years | $-3,211 |
| 9 years | $-201 |
| 11 years | $2,809 |
| 13 years | $5,819 |
| 15 years | $8,830 |
| 17 years | $11,840 |
| 19 years | $14,850 |
| 21 years | $17,860 |
| 23 years | $20,870 |
| 25 years | $23,880 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake Jackson
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you're searching for a solar company in Lake Jackson, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Lake Jackson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake Jackson
For many Lake Jackson homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lake Jackson, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Lake Jackson, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Most solar installers in Lake Jackson provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lake Jackson is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $19,180 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $25,875 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $32,720 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $39,716 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $46,862 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $54,159 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $61,607 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $69,206 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Lake Jackson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Lake Jackson, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lake Jackson?
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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. 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 Lake Jackson?
Solar panels aren't free in Lake Jackson, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property 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 Lake Jackson is currently $150,231, so you can expect a value of about $6,159 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lake Jackson is a rewarding investment.
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 amount of 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.