Solar Panel Cost Guide in Richland Hills, TX (2023 Update)
- Richland Hills Solar Installation Cost: $14,407
- 25-Year Savings: $22,781
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Richland Hills
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Richland Hills.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Richland Hills typically cost around 2.69. Since a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Richland Hills, the average price of going solar will be about $14,405 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Richland Hills based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average Richland Hills homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Richland Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,986 |
| 3 years | $-10,143 |
| 5 years | $-7,301 |
| 7 years | $-4,459 |
| 9 years | $-1,617 |
| 11 years | $1,225 |
| 13 years | $4,067 |
| 15 years | $6,909 |
| 17 years | $9,752 |
| 19 years | $12,594 |
| 21 years | $15,436 |
| 23 years | $18,278 |
| 25 years | $21,120 |
Top Solar Installers in Richland Hills
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Richland Hills, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Richland Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Richland Hills
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Richland Hills: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, 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 nearly $2,690. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Richland Hills, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $17,413 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,519 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,775 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,182 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,740 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,448 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $56,307 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $63,317 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Richland Hills, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Richland Hills?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Richland Hills?
You can't get solar panels for free in Richland Hills. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.