Solar Panel Cost Guide in Friendswood, TX (Mar 2023)
- Friendswood Solar Installation Cost: $13,934
- 25-Year Savings: $23,254
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Friendswood
We break down average solar pricing in Friendswood.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Friendswood it's 2.69 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Friendswood, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,934, or $19,926 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Friendswood can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Friendswood, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Friendswood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,447 |
| 3 years | $-9,472 |
| 5 years | $-6,497 |
| 7 years | $-3,522 |
| 9 years | $-547 |
| 11 years | $2,428 |
| 13 years | $5,403 |
| 15 years | $8,378 |
| 17 years | $11,353 |
| 19 years | $14,328 |
| 21 years | $17,304 |
| 23 years | $20,279 |
| 25 years | $23,254 |
Top Solar Installers in Friendswood
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Friendswood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Friendswood
The cost of installing a solar system in Friendswood can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Friendswood, 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 determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Friendswood to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. When considering 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Friendswood are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $18,391 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $24,823 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $31,405 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $38,138 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $45,022 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $52,056 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $59,241 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $66,577 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Friendswood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years 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 quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Friendswood, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Friendswood?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Friendswood?
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 don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Friendswood have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 cover 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.