Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vidor, TX (2024 Update)
- Vidor Solar Installation Cost: $17,794
- 25-Year Savings: $20,945
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vidor
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Vidor.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Vidor, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $17,794 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Vidor homeowners. The price 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 Vidor homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Vidor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,496 |
| 3 years | $-13,899 |
| 5 years | $-11,302 |
| 7 years | $-8,704 |
| 9 years | $-6,107 |
| 11 years | $-3,510 |
| 13 years | $-913 |
| 15 years | $1,684 |
| 17 years | $4,281 |
| 19 years | $6,878 |
| 21 years | $9,475 |
| 23 years | $12,073 |
| 25 years | $14,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Vidor
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Vidor:
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 Vidor
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vidor
The cost of installing a solar system in Vidor can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Vidor average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Vidor to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Vidor homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $13,215 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $17,992 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $22,957 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,108 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $33,445 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $38,969 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $44,679 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $50,576 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind 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 pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Vidor, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vidor?
The average cost of solar panels in Vidor 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
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 Vidor is currently $162,422, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,659 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Vidor is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.