Solar Panel Cost Guide in River Oaks, TX (Mar 2023)
- River Oaks 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 River Oaks
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in River Oaks.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in River Oaks, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. Because a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in River Oaks, the average price of going solar will be about $14,405 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. With typical savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in River Oaks find going solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in River Oaks
| 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 River Oaks
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
There are various 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 (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 River Oaks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in River Oaks
The cost of installing a solar system in River Oaks can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,690 per kilowatt in River Oaks. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in River Oaks provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $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 kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 River Oaks, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in River Oaks?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in River Oaks?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in River Oaks?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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.