Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Worth, TX (2023 Update)
- Fort Worth Solar Installation Cost: $14,326
- 25-Year Savings: $18,153
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Worth
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Fort Worth.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Worth typically cost about 2.69. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Fort Worth, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,330, or $20,492 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Fort Worth homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized 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 | $-12,567 |
| 3 years | $-9,051 |
| 5 years | $-5,535 |
| 7 years | $-2,019 |
| 9 years | $1,498 |
| 11 years | $5,014 |
| 13 years | $8,530 |
| 15 years | $12,046 |
| 17 years | $15,563 |
| 19 years | $19,079 |
| 21 years | $22,595 |
| 23 years | $26,112 |
| 25 years | $29,628 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Worth
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel 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
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Fort Worth is $14,330, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Fort Worth, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fort Worth, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fort Worth 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $13,864 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $18,787 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $23,860 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $29,084 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $34,458 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $39,984 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $45,660 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $51,486 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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 access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fort Worth?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Worth?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.