Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vidor, TX (Mar 2023)
- Vidor Solar Installation Cost: $14,367
- 25-Year Savings: $20,952
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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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.
In Vidor, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Vidor is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,367 for a solar installation, or $20,545 before the 30% federal solar 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. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Vidor homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vidor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,955 |
| 3 years | $-10,129 |
| 5 years | $-7,303 |
| 7 years | $-4,478 |
| 9 years | $-1,652 |
| 11 years | $1,173 |
| 13 years | $3,999 |
| 15 years | $6,824 |
| 17 years | $9,650 |
| 19 years | $12,476 |
| 21 years | $15,301 |
| 23 years | $18,127 |
| 25 years | $20,952 |
Top Solar Installers in Vidor
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and handiness. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are several 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 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 biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use 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 $2,690. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Vidor are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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
There are many companies to choose from in Vidor, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Vidor, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vidor?
The average cost of solar panels in Vidor is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 house 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.