Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dallas, NC (2023 Update)
- Dallas Solar Installation Cost: $12,111
- 25-Year Savings: $20,790
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dallas
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Dallas.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dallas it's 2.54 per watt. The average Dallas homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,108 with the federal tax credit, or $17,314 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Dallas based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Dallas, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dallas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,001 |
| 3 years | $-11,782 |
| 5 years | $-11,563 |
| 7 years | $-11,343 |
| 9 years | $-11,124 |
| 11 years | $-10,905 |
| 13 years | $-10,685 |
| 15 years | $-10,466 |
| 17 years | $-10,247 |
| 19 years | $-10,027 |
| 21 years | $-9,808 |
| 23 years | $-9,589 |
| 25 years | $-9,369 |
Top Solar Installers in Dallas
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest 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 cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,540. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Dallas provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Dallas homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Dallas, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
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.