Solar Panel Cost Guide in Friendswood, TX (2024 Update)

  • Friendswood Solar Installation Cost: $17,256
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,249
  • Payback Period: 11.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Friendswood

We go over average solar pricing in Friendswood.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Friendswood generally cost around 3.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Friendswood, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,256, or $24,676 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $20,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Friendswood find installing solar panels can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Friendswood that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Friendswood

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,835
3 years $-12,992
5 years $-10,150
7 years $-7,308
9 years $-4,466
11 years $-1,624
13 years $1,218
15 years $4,061
17 years $6,903
19 years $9,745
21 years $12,587
23 years $15,429
25 years $18,271

Top Solar Installers in Friendswood

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

For many Friendswood homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Friendswood, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,330. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Friendswood offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Friendswood 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

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Friendswood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better 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 $3.46 $14,545 $15,596 12.1 years
8 kW $3.40 $19,021 $21,167 11.8 years
10 kW $3.33 $23,310 $26,925 11.6 years
12 kW $3.26 $27,413 $32,870 11.4 years
14 kW $3.20 $31,329 $39,001 11.1 years
16 kW $3.13 $35,058 $45,318 10.9 years
18 kW $3.06 $38,601 $51,822 10.7 years
20 kW $3.00 $41,958 $58,513 10.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Friendswood?

The average cost of solar panels in Friendswood is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will installing solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Friendswood is currently $438,856, so you can expect a value of about $17,993 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Friendswood is a worthwhile investment.

How long do solar panels last in Friendswood?

Though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.

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