Solar Panel Cost Guide in River Oaks, TX (2023 Update)
- River Oaks 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 River Oaks
We go over average solar pricing in River Oaks.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in River Oaks it's 2.69 per watt. Since a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs 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%.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in River Oaks based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in River Oaks see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in River Oaks
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,283 |
| 3 years | $-14,035 |
| 5 years | $-13,787 |
| 7 years | $-13,539 |
| 9 years | $-13,291 |
| 11 years | $-13,043 |
| 13 years | $-12,795 |
| 15 years | $-12,547 |
| 17 years | $-12,299 |
| 19 years | $-12,051 |
| 21 years | $-11,804 |
| 23 years | $-11,556 |
| 25 years | $-11,308 |
Top Solar Installers in River Oaks
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're searching for a solar company in River Oaks, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 River Oaks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in River Oaks
There are many criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in River Oaks, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the River Oaks average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in River Oaks to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, 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 go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in River Oaks, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating 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
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 precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in River Oaks?
You can't get solar panels for free in River Oaks. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout River Oaks, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.