Solar Panel Cost Guide in Katy, TX (2023 Update)
- Katy Solar Installation Cost: $14,376
- 25-Year Savings: $20,944
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Katy
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Katy.
The average cost of a solar system in Katy is 2.69 per watt. The average Katy homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,367 with the federal tax credit, or $20,545 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Katy see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Katy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,865 |
| 3 years | $-9,843 |
| 5 years | $-6,821 |
| 7 years | $-3,799 |
| 9 years | $-777 |
| 11 years | $2,245 |
| 13 years | $5,267 |
| 15 years | $8,289 |
| 17 years | $11,311 |
| 19 years | $14,333 |
| 21 years | $17,355 |
| 23 years | $20,377 |
| 25 years | $23,399 |
Top Solar Installers in Katy
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Katy:
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 Katy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Katy
There are several factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,690. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Katy average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Katy to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Katy is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $16,008 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $21,645 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $27,433 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $33,372 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $39,461 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $45,700 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $52,091 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $58,632 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Katy, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Katy?
This is a hard 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Katy?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get 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 savings from going solar.
Does Katy have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.