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 national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bridge City it’s 4 per watt.The average Bridge City homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,349 with the federal tax credit, or $37,679 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Bridge City see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Bridge City, you can 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
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
If you're looking for a solar company in Bridge City, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
There are a number of criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type 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 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. Plus, 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 Bridge City offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bridge City is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 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 | $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 company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bridge City?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bridge City?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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 a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.