Solar Panel Cost Guide in River Oaks, TX (2024 Update)
- River Oaks Solar Installation Cost: $17,834
- 25-Year Savings: $22,781
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in River Oaks
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in River Oaks.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in River Oaks generally cost around 3.The average River Oaks homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,834 with the federal tax credit, or $25,503 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in River Oaks based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average River Oaks homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in River Oaks that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in River Oaks
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,413 |
| 3 years | $-13,571 |
| 5 years | $-10,729 |
| 7 years | $-7,887 |
| 9 years | $-5,045 |
| 11 years | $-2,202 |
| 13 years | $640 |
| 15 years | $3,482 |
| 17 years | $6,324 |
| 19 years | $9,166 |
| 21 years | $12,008 |
| 23 years | $14,850 |
| 25 years | $17,693 |
Top Solar Installers in River Oaks
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 River Oaks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in River Oaks
For many River Oaks homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in River Oaks, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in River Oaks, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. River Oaks’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $14,618 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,863 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,295 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,914 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,719 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,710 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,888 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $55,253 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in River Oaks, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 River Oaks, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in River Oaks?
The average cost of solar panels in River Oaks 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in River Oaks?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in River Oaks, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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.