Solar Panel Cost Guide in Port Lavaca, TX (2024 Update)
- Port Lavaca Solar Installation Cost: $16,590
- 25-Year Savings: $23,784
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Port Lavaca
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Port Lavaca.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Port Lavaca, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $16,590 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Port Lavaca homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Port Lavaca
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,187 |
| 3 years | $-12,381 |
| 5 years | $-9,574 |
| 7 years | $-6,768 |
| 9 years | $-3,961 |
| 11 years | $-1,155 |
| 13 years | $1,651 |
| 15 years | $4,458 |
| 17 years | $7,264 |
| 19 years | $10,071 |
| 21 years | $12,877 |
| 23 years | $15,684 |
| 25 years | $18,490 |
Top Solar Installers in Port Lavaca
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of going with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Lavaca
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Port Lavaca
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Port Lavaca is $16,590, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,330 per kilowatt in Port Lavaca.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Port Lavaca offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
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 Port Lavaca is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $16,803 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $22,777 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $28,938 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $35,285 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $41,818 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $48,538 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $55,445 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $62,538 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Port Lavaca, 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: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable 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 research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Lavaca, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Port Lavaca?
The average cost of solar panels in Port Lavaca is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration 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.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Port Lavaca is currently $179,649, which means you can expect a value of about $7,366 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Port Lavaca is a rewarding investment.
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 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.