Solar Panel Cost Guide in Baytown, TX (2024 Update)
- Baytown Solar Installation Cost: $17,538
- 25-Year Savings: $21,152
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Baytown
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Baytown.
In Baytown, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Baytown is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,538 for a solar installation, or $25,079 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Baytown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,240 |
| 3 years | $-13,643 |
| 5 years | $-11,046 |
| 7 years | $-8,448 |
| 9 years | $-5,851 |
| 11 years | $-3,254 |
| 13 years | $-657 |
| 15 years | $1,940 |
| 17 years | $4,537 |
| 19 years | $7,134 |
| 21 years | $9,732 |
| 23 years | $12,329 |
| 25 years | $14,926 |
Top Solar Installers in Baytown
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Baytown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Baytown
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Baytown is $17,538, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Baytown to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to factor 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 company you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $13,620 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $18,533 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $23,632 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,918 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $34,391 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $40,049 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $45,895 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $51,926 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Baytown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Baytown, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Baytown?
The average cost of solar panels in Baytown is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Baytown?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Baytown, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Baytown have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.