Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vidor, TX (2023 Update)
- Vidor Solar Installation Cost: $14,374
- 25-Year Savings: $20,945
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vidor
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Vidor.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Vidor it's 2.69 per watt. The average Vidor homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,367 with the federal tax credit, or $20,545 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Vidor homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Vidor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,257 |
| 3 years | $-14,021 |
| 5 years | $-13,786 |
| 7 years | $-13,550 |
| 9 years | $-13,315 |
| 11 years | $-13,079 |
| 13 years | $-12,844 |
| 15 years | $-12,609 |
| 17 years | $-12,373 |
| 19 years | $-12,138 |
| 21 years | $-11,902 |
| 23 years | $-11,667 |
| 25 years | $-11,431 |
Top Solar Installers in Vidor
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Vidor
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vidor
For many Vidor homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Vidor, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Vidor to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Vidor, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $16,010 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $21,648 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $27,437 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $33,376 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $39,466 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $45,707 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $52,098 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $58,640 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model 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 deciding.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Vidor, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vidor?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Vidor is currently $97,100, which means you can look forward to a value of about $3,981 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Vidor is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.