Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Houston, TX (Jan 2023)
- South Houston Solar Installation Cost: $14,386
- 25-Year Savings: $22,802
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Houston
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in South Houston.
The average cost of a solar panel system in South Houston is $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.6 would cost about $14,386 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in South Houston depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the high upfront cost, the average South Houston homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Houston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,899 |
| 3 years | $-9,924 |
| 5 years | $-6,949 |
| 7 years | $-3,974 |
| 9 years | $-999 |
| 11 years | $1,976 |
| 13 years | $4,952 |
| 15 years | $7,927 |
| 17 years | $10,902 |
| 19 years | $13,877 |
| 21 years | $16,852 |
| 23 years | $19,827 |
| 25 years | $22,802 |
Top Solar Installers in South Houston
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are various 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 South Houston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Houston
There are many factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 South Houston. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like South Houston, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many South Houston homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. South Houston's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in South Houston have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $17,437 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,551 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,815 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,230 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,795 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,512 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $56,378 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $63,396 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 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 $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
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 let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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 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.