Solar Panel Cost Guide in Houston, TX (2024 Update)
- Houston Solar Installation Cost: $17,828
- 25-Year Savings: $22,746
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Houston
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Houston.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Houston typically cost about 3.Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Houston, the average price of going solar will be about $17,828 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Houston based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Houston can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
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 Houston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,084 |
| 3 years | $-12,596 |
| 5 years | $-9,108 |
| 7 years | $-5,621 |
| 9 years | $-2,133 |
| 11 years | $1,355 |
| 13 years | $4,843 |
| 15 years | $8,331 |
| 17 years | $11,819 |
| 19 years | $15,307 |
| 21 years | $18,794 |
| 23 years | $22,282 |
| 25 years | $25,770 |
Top Solar Installers in Houston
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
There are various 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 Houston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Houston
The cost of installing a solar system in Houston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Houston have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Houston, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.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 due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $14,597 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,835 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,260 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,871 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,669 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,654 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,825 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $55,182 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Houston, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Houston?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.