Solar Panel Cost Guide in Port Arthur, TX (Mar 2023)

  • Port Arthur Solar Installation Cost: $14,141
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,178
  • Payback Period: 10.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Port Arthur

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Port Arthur.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Port Arthur generally cost about 2.69. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Port Arthur, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,141, or $20,222 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Port Arthur can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

For a customized 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 $-12,729
3 years $-9,903
5 years $-7,077
7 years $-4,252
9 years $-1,426
11 years $1,399
13 years $4,225
15 years $7,050
17 years $9,876
19 years $12,701
21 years $15,527
23 years $18,353
25 years $21,178

Top Solar Installers in Port Arthur

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Port Arthur

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Port Arthur

For many Port Arthur homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Port Arthur, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably 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 installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect 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 offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see 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 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 $16,484 10.4 years
8 kW $2.74 $15,365 $22,280 10.2 years
10 kW $2.69 $18,830 $28,227 10.0 years
12 kW $2.64 $22,144 $34,324 9.8 years
14 kW $2.58 $25,308 $40,572 9.6 years
16 kW $2.53 $28,320 $46,970 9.4 years
18 kW $2.47 $31,182 $53,519 9.2 years
20 kW $2.42 $33,894 $60,219 9.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in Port Arthur, 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:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Port Arthur, TX Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Port Arthur?

The average cost of solar panels in Port Arthur is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Port Arthur?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 higher amount 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.

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