Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockport, TX (2023 Update)
- Rockport Solar Installation Cost: $13,068
- 25-Year Savings: $24,118
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockport
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Rockport.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rockport, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.69 per watt. Since a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Rockport, the average price of going solar will be about $13,068 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Rockport homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,581 |
| 3 years | $-8,606 |
| 5 years | $-5,631 |
| 7 years | $-2,656 |
| 9 years | $319 |
| 11 years | $3,294 |
| 13 years | $6,269 |
| 15 years | $9,244 |
| 17 years | $12,218 |
| 19 years | $15,193 |
| 21 years | $18,168 |
| 23 years | $21,143 |
| 25 years | $24,118 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockport
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Rockport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockport
There are many criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Rockport, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Rockport, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rockport to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. 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 bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Rockport, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $20,380 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $27,474 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $34,719 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $42,115 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $49,662 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $57,359 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $65,206 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $73,205 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Rockport, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Rockport, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rockport?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Rockport?
You can't get solar panels for free in Rockport. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Rockport, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 goes down 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.