Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bridgeport, WV (2023 Update)
- Bridgeport Solar Installation Cost: $21,037
- 25-Year Savings: $27,023
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bridgeport
We go over average solar pricing in Bridgeport.
The average cost of solar panels in Bridgeport is 2.64 per watt. Because a 11.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Bridgeport, the average price of going solar will be about $21,030 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Bridgeport homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Bridgeport that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bridgeport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,877 |
| 3 years | $-20,556 |
| 5 years | $-20,236 |
| 7 years | $-19,915 |
| 9 years | $-19,595 |
| 11 years | $-19,275 |
| 13 years | $-18,954 |
| 15 years | $-18,634 |
| 17 years | $-18,313 |
| 19 years | $-17,993 |
| 21 years | $-17,673 |
| 23 years | $-17,352 |
| 25 years | $-17,032 |
Top Solar Installers in Bridgeport
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Bridgeport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bridgeport
Though the average cost of a solar system in Bridgeport is $21,030, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,640 per kilowatt in Bridgeport. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra 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 Bridgeport to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Bridgeport is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.75 | $11,532 | $13,800 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $18,695 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $23,738 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $28,930 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $34,269 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $39,756 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $45,390 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $51,173 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding 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.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Bridgeport, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bridgeport?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Bridgeport, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.