Solar Panel Cost Guide in Port Arthur, TX (2024 Update)
- Port Arthur Solar Installation Cost: $17,496
- 25-Year Savings: $21,186
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Port Arthur
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Port Arthur.
The average cost of a solar system in Port Arthur is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Port Arthur is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,496 for a solar installation, or $25,019 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at 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 the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Port Arthur
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,197 |
| 3 years | $-13,600 |
| 5 years | $-11,003 |
| 7 years | $-8,406 |
| 9 years | $-5,809 |
| 11 years | $-3,212 |
| 13 years | $-614 |
| 15 years | $1,983 |
| 17 years | $4,580 |
| 19 years | $7,177 |
| 21 years | $9,774 |
| 23 years | $12,371 |
| 25 years | $14,968 |
Top Solar Installers in Port Arthur
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Port Arthur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Port Arthur
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 Port Arthur: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,330 per kilowatt in Port Arthur.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Port Arthur provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to 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
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Port Arthur, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $13,689 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,624 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $23,747 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $29,055 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $34,551 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $40,232 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $46,101 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $52,155 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Port Arthur, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Port Arthur?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Port Arthur?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Port Arthur is currently $96,664, so you can look forward to a value of about $3,963 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Port Arthur is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Port Arthur?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.