Solar Panel Cost Guide in Port Arthur, TX (2024 Update)
- Port Arthur Solar Installation Cost: $17,496
- 25-Year Savings: $21,186
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Port Arthur
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Port Arthur.
The average cost of a solar system in Port Arthur is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Port Arthur, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,496, or $25,019 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Port Arthur homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be 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 Port Arthur can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Port Arthur, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Port Arthur
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,197 |
| 3 years | $-13,600 |
| 5 years | $-11,003 |
| 7 years | $-8,406 |
| 9 years | $-5,809 |
| 11 years | $-3,212 |
| 13 years | $-614 |
| 15 years | $1,983 |
| 17 years | $4,580 |
| 19 years | $7,177 |
| 21 years | $9,774 |
| 23 years | $12,371 |
| 25 years | $14,968 |
Top Solar Installers in Port Arthur
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Port Arthur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Port Arthur
There are several factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 spend about $3,330 per kilowatt in Port Arthur.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Port Arthur average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Port Arthur offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Port Arthur have more knowledge 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 help you save 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $13,689 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,624 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $23,747 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $29,055 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $34,551 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $40,232 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $46,101 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $52,155 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Port Arthur, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Port Arthur?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Port Arthur?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Port Arthur is currently $96,664, which means you can expect a value of about $3,963 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Port Arthur is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Port Arthur?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.