Solar Panel Cost Guide in Katy, TX (2024 Update)
- Katy Solar Installation Cost: $17,796
- 25-Year Savings: $20,944
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Katy
We go over average solar pricing in Katy.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Katy generally cost about 3.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Katy, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,796, or $25,448 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 quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at 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 | $-16,285 |
| 3 years | $-13,263 |
| 5 years | $-10,241 |
| 7 years | $-7,219 |
| 9 years | $-4,197 |
| 11 years | $-1,175 |
| 13 years | $1,847 |
| 15 years | $4,869 |
| 17 years | $7,891 |
| 19 years | $10,912 |
| 21 years | $13,934 |
| 23 years | $16,956 |
| 25 years | $19,978 |
Top Solar Installers in Katy
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Katy, optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Katy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Katy
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Katy is $17,796, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Katy, 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 electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Katy have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When estimating 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 lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a role in determining how much it costs. Katy’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Katy are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 help you save 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $13,212 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $17,989 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $22,953 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $28,103 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $33,440 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $38,963 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $44,672 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $50,568 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Katy, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Katy, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Katy?
The average cost of solar panels in Katy is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Katy?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Katy. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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."
How long do solar panels last in Katy?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.