Solar Panel Cost Guide in Friendswood, TX (2023 Update)
- Friendswood Solar Installation Cost: $13,939
- 25-Year Savings: $23,249
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Friendswood
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Friendswood.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Friendswood it's 2.69 per watt. The average Friendswood homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,934 with the federal tax credit, or $19,926 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Friendswood homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $20,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Friendswood find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Friendswood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,518 |
| 3 years | $-9,676 |
| 5 years | $-6,834 |
| 7 years | $-3,992 |
| 9 years | $-1,150 |
| 11 years | $1,693 |
| 13 years | $4,535 |
| 15 years | $7,377 |
| 17 years | $10,219 |
| 19 years | $13,061 |
| 21 years | $15,903 |
| 23 years | $18,746 |
| 25 years | $21,588 |
Top Solar Installers in Friendswood
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Friendswood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Friendswood
For many Friendswood homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on 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 various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost 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 largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Friendswood, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Friendswood homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more 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 lower 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 | $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
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model 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 peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels 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 Friendswood, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Friendswood?
The average cost of solar panels in Friendswood is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Friendswood?
Solar panels aren't free in Friendswood, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Friendswood?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Friendswood?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.