Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Worth, TX (2024 Update)
- Fort Worth Solar Installation Cost: $17,734
- 25-Year Savings: $18,153
- Payback Period: 13.7 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 Fort Worth
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Fort Worth.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Worth generally cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Fort Worth is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,734 for a solar installation, or $25,360 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fort Worth find installing solar panels can pay off big.
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 Fort Worth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,976 |
| 3 years | $-12,460 |
| 5 years | $-8,943 |
| 7 years | $-5,427 |
| 9 years | $-1,911 |
| 11 years | $1,606 |
| 13 years | $5,122 |
| 15 years | $8,638 |
| 17 years | $12,154 |
| 19 years | $15,671 |
| 21 years | $19,187 |
| 23 years | $22,703 |
| 25 years | $26,220 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Worth
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 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
See all of the solar companies in Fort Worth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Worth
There are many factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fort Worth to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $11,069 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $15,131 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $19,380 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $23,815 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $28,437 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $33,246 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $38,241 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $43,422 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 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
EcoWatch's Fort Worth, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Worth?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Worth 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fort Worth is currently $307,939, so you can expect a value of about $12,625 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fort Worth is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Worth?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.