Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bridgeport, WV (2024 Update)
- Bridgeport Solar Installation Cost: $27,013
- 25-Year Savings: $27,023
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bridgeport
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Bridgeport.
In Bridgeport, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Bridgeport homeowner needs a 11.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $27,013 with the federal tax credit, or $38,629 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Bridgeport homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bridgeport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,584 |
| 3 years | $-22,725 |
| 5 years | $-19,866 |
| 7 years | $-17,007 |
| 9 years | $-14,148 |
| 11 years | $-11,289 |
| 13 years | $-8,430 |
| 15 years | $-5,571 |
| 17 years | $-2,712 |
| 19 years | $147 |
| 21 years | $3,006 |
| 23 years | $5,865 |
| 25 years | $8,724 |
Top Solar Installers in Bridgeport
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Bridgeport:
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 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
For many Bridgeport homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bridgeport, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,390. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space 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. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bridgeport have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Bridgeport’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.53 | $14,808 | $10,524 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $14,411 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $18,488 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $22,756 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $27,213 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $31,860 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $36,696 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $41,723 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 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 tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,950 for a 5-kW system and $33,900 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bridgeport?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Bridgeport have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Bridgeport?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.