Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dallas, NC (2024 Update)
- Dallas Solar Installation Cost: $16,736
- 25-Year Savings: $20,790
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dallas
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Dallas.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dallas typically cost about 4.Because a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Dallas, the average price of going solar will be about $16,736 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Dallas homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large initial cost, the average Dallas homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dallas
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,414 |
3 years | $-12,770 |
5 years | $-10,125 |
7 years | $-7,481 |
9 years | $-4,837 |
11 years | $-2,193 |
13 years | $452 |
15 years | $3,096 |
17 years | $5,740 |
19 years | $8,384 |
21 years | $11,029 |
23 years | $13,673 |
25 years | $16,317 |
Top Solar Installers in Dallas
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 a solar company can make switching 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 searching for a solar installer in Dallas, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Dallas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dallas
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Dallas: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Dallas, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Dallas, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Dallas homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Dallas’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $13,649 | 13.2 years |
8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $18,592 | 13.0 years |
10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $23,731 | 12.7 years |
12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $29,067 | 12.5 years |
14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $34,600 | 12.2 years |
16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $40,329 | 12.0 years |
18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $46,255 | 11.7 years |
20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $52,377 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Dallas, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned 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.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Dallas, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dallas?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Dallas?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 higher 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.