Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dallas, NC (Mar 2023)
- Dallas Solar Installation Cost: $12,108
- 25-Year Savings: $20,793
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dallas
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Dallas.
The average cost of solar panels in Dallas is 2.54 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Dallas, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,108, or $17,314 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Dallas depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dallas find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Dallas that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dallas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,792 |
| 3 years | $-8,160 |
| 5 years | $-5,528 |
| 7 years | $-2,896 |
| 9 years | $-264 |
| 11 years | $2,368 |
| 13 years | $5,000 |
| 15 years | $7,632 |
| 17 years | $10,265 |
| 19 years | $12,897 |
| 21 years | $15,529 |
| 23 years | $18,161 |
| 25 years | $20,793 |
Top Solar Installers in Dallas
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in Dallas, the EcoWatch team has 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 (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Dallas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dallas
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Dallas: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Dallas, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Dallas provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Dallas homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Dallas, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk 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 lower 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $17,886 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $24,133 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $30,521 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $37,052 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $43,726 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $50,541 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $57,499 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $64,599 | 8.3 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 choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Dallas, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dallas?
The average cost of solar panels in Dallas is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dallas?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
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 power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 account for 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.