Solar Panel Cost Guide in Port Isabel, TX (2023 Update)
- Port Isabel Solar Installation Cost: $13,294
- 25-Year Savings: $18,723
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Port Isabel
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Port Isabel.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Port Isabel it's 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Port Isabel is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,294 for a solar installation, or $19,010 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Port Isabel find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Port Isabel, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Port Isabel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,013 |
| 3 years | $-9,452 |
| 5 years | $-6,891 |
| 7 years | $-4,329 |
| 9 years | $-1,768 |
| 11 years | $793 |
| 13 years | $3,355 |
| 15 years | $5,916 |
| 17 years | $8,477 |
| 19 years | $11,039 |
| 21 years | $13,600 |
| 23 years | $16,161 |
| 25 years | $18,723 |
Top Solar Installers in Port Isabel
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Port Isabel, the EcoWatch team has put together 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
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 Port Isabel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Port Isabel
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Port Isabel: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,690. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Port Isabel is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Port Isabel are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $15,473 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $20,932 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $26,541 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $32,302 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $38,212 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $44,274 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $50,486 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $56,849 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Port Isabel, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Port Isabel?
The average cost of solar panels in Port Isabel 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Port Isabel?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.