Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sugar Land, TX (2023 Update)
- Sugar Land Solar Installation Cost: $14,330
- 25-Year Savings: $22,858
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sugar Land
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Sugar Land.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sugar Land it's 2.69 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Sugar Land, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,330, or $20,492 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. With average savings of about $20,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sugar Land find investing in solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sugar Land
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,842 |
| 3 years | $-9,867 |
| 5 years | $-6,892 |
| 7 years | $-3,917 |
| 9 years | $-942 |
| 11 years | $2,033 |
| 13 years | $5,008 |
| 15 years | $7,983 |
| 17 years | $10,958 |
| 19 years | $13,933 |
| 21 years | $16,908 |
| 23 years | $19,883 |
| 25 years | $22,858 |
Top Solar Installers in Sugar Land
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Sugar Land
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sugar Land
While the average cost of a solar system in Sugar Land is $14,330, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,690 per kilowatt in Sugar Land. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Sugar Land average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sugar Land to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see 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 promotions 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 | $17,564 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,720 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $30,027 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,484 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $43,092 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,850 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $56,759 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $63,819 | 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. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy 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: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- 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 system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 past customers.
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 Sugar Land, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sugar Land?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities 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.
Is it worth going solar in Sugar Land?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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.