Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Houston, TX (2024 Update)
- South Houston Solar Installation Cost: $17,820
- 25-Year Savings: $22,793
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Houston
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in South Houston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Houston it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $17,820 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large initial cost, the average South Houston homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in South Houston, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Houston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,399 |
| 3 years | $-13,557 |
| 5 years | $-10,714 |
| 7 years | $-7,872 |
| 9 years | $-5,030 |
| 11 years | $-2,188 |
| 13 years | $654 |
| 15 years | $3,496 |
| 17 years | $6,339 |
| 19 years | $9,181 |
| 21 years | $12,023 |
| 23 years | $14,865 |
| 25 years | $17,707 |
Top Solar Installers in South Houston
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 South Houston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Houston
Even though the average cost of a solar system in South Houston is $17,820, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require 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.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the South Houston average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in South Houston, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in South Houston, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $14,641 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,895 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,335 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,961 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,774 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,774 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,959 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $55,332 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 South Houston, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Houston?
The average cost of solar panels in South Houston is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in South Houston?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does South Houston have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.