Solar Panel Cost Guide in Port Lavaca, TX (2023 Update)
- Port Lavaca Solar Installation Cost: $13,407
- 25-Year Savings: $23,779
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Port Lavaca
We go over average solar pricing in Port Lavaca.
The average cost of solar panels in Port Lavaca is 2.69 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Port Lavaca, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,407, or $19,172 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Port Lavaca homeowner can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Port Lavaca for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Port Lavaca
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,920 |
| 3 years | $-8,945 |
| 5 years | $-5,970 |
| 7 years | $-2,995 |
| 9 years | $-20 |
| 11 years | $2,955 |
| 13 years | $5,930 |
| 15 years | $8,905 |
| 17 years | $11,880 |
| 19 years | $14,854 |
| 21 years | $17,829 |
| 23 years | $20,804 |
| 25 years | $23,779 |
Top Solar Installers in Port Lavaca
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Port Lavaca: 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Port Lavaca, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Port Lavaca average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Port Lavaca to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Port Lavaca homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Port Lavaca, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $19,599 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $26,433 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $33,418 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $40,553 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $47,840 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $55,276 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $62,864 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $70,602 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar 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.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Port Lavaca?
The average cost of solar panels in Port Lavaca 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Port Lavaca?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Port Lavaca?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.