Solar Panel Cost Guide in Port Neches, TX (2023 Update)
- Port Neches Solar Installation Cost: $13,897
- 25-Year Savings: $21,423
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Port Neches
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Port Neches.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Port Neches, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $13,897 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Port Neches homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Port Neches
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,484 |
| 3 years | $-9,658 |
| 5 years | $-6,833 |
| 7 years | $-4,007 |
| 9 years | $-1,182 |
| 11 years | $1,644 |
| 13 years | $4,470 |
| 15 years | $7,295 |
| 17 years | $10,121 |
| 19 years | $12,946 |
| 21 years | $15,772 |
| 23 years | $18,597 |
| 25 years | $21,423 |
Top Solar Installers in Port Neches
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Neches
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Port Neches
For many Port Neches homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Port Neches, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,690. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Port Neches homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Port Neches, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $16,958 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $22,912 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,016 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $35,272 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $41,678 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $48,234 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $54,941 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $61,799 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Port Neches, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand 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 peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Neches, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Port Neches?
The average cost of solar panels in Port Neches 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 like the type 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 Neches?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Port Neches?
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 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.