Solar Panel Cost Guide in Houston, MS (2024 Update)
- Houston Solar Installation Cost: $18,781
- 25-Year Savings: $14,991
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Houston
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Houston.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Houston is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Houston is around 8.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,781 for a solar installation, or $26,857 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Houston can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
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 Houston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,161 |
| 3 years | $-13,920 |
| 5 years | $-10,679 |
| 7 years | $-7,438 |
| 9 years | $-4,198 |
| 11 years | $-957 |
| 13 years | $2,284 |
| 15 years | $5,525 |
| 17 years | $8,766 |
| 19 years | $12,007 |
| 21 years | $15,248 |
| 23 years | $18,488 |
| 25 years | $21,729 |
Top Solar Installers in Houston
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Houston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Houston
For many Houston homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Houston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation 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 $3,140.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much 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 Houston to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Houston homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Houston, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.27 | $13,716 | $7,899 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.20 | $17,936 | $10,884 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.14 | $21,980 | $14,044 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.08 | $25,848 | $17,381 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.01 | $29,541 | $20,893 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.95 | $33,058 | $24,581 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.89 | $36,399 | $28,445 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.83 | $39,564 | $32,485 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Houston, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Houston, MS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Houston?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $15,700 for a 5-kW system and $31,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Houston is currently $126,812, so you can expect a value of about $5,199 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Houston is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.