Solar Panel Cost Guide in Richland Hills, TX (Mar 2023)
- Richland Hills Solar Installation Cost: $14,405
- 25-Year Savings: $22,783
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Richland Hills
We break down average solar pricing in Richland Hills.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Richland Hills typically cost about 2.69. The average solar panel system size in Richland Hills is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,405 for a solar installation, or $20,599 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Richland Hills homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Richland Hills homeowner can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Richland Hills that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Richland Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,917 |
| 3 years | $-9,942 |
| 5 years | $-6,967 |
| 7 years | $-3,992 |
| 9 years | $-1,017 |
| 11 years | $1,958 |
| 13 years | $4,933 |
| 15 years | $7,908 |
| 17 years | $10,883 |
| 19 years | $13,858 |
| 21 years | $16,833 |
| 23 years | $19,808 |
| 25 years | $22,783 |
Top Solar Installers in Richland Hills
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
For many Richland Hills homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Richland Hills, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,690. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, 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 looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Richland Hills, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Richland Hills' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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.