Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bridge City, LA (2024 Update)
- Bridge City Solar Installation Cost: $26,349
- 25-Year Savings: $24,622
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bridge City
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bridge City.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Bridge City is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Bridge City is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,349 for a solar installation, or $37,679 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bridge City homeowner. 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.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Bridge City can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bridge City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,040 |
| 3 years | $-22,422 |
| 5 years | $-19,803 |
| 7 years | $-17,185 |
| 9 years | $-14,566 |
| 11 years | $-11,948 |
| 13 years | $-9,329 |
| 15 years | $-6,710 |
| 17 years | $-4,092 |
| 19 years | $-1,473 |
| 21 years | $1,145 |
| 23 years | $3,764 |
| 25 years | $6,382 |
Top Solar Installers in Bridge City
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another good thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Bridge City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bridge City
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Bridge City is $26,349, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,800. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Bridge City homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.95 | $16,598 | $9,109 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,571 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,246 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,133 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $24,234 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $28,547 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $33,073 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $37,812 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Bridge City, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bridge City?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bridge City?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Bridge City?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.