Solar Panel Cost Guide in The Woodlands, TX (2023 Update)
- The Woodlands Solar Installation Cost: $14,437
- 25-Year Savings: $22,863
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in The Woodlands
We go over average solar pricing in The Woodlands.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in The Woodlands generally cost around 2.69. Since a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in The Woodlands, the average price of going solar will be about $14,443 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high upfront cost, the average The Woodlands homeowner can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in The Woodlands
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,139 |
| 3 years | $-10,542 |
| 5 years | $-7,945 |
| 7 years | $-5,347 |
| 9 years | $-2,750 |
| 11 years | $-153 |
| 13 years | $2,444 |
| 15 years | $5,041 |
| 17 years | $7,638 |
| 19 years | $10,235 |
| 21 years | $12,833 |
| 23 years | $15,430 |
| 25 years | $18,027 |
Top Solar Installers in The Woodlands
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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
See all of the solar companies in The Woodlands
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in The Woodlands
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in The Woodlands: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,690. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like The Woodlands, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many The Woodlands homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going 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're only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
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 installation companies operating throughout The Woodlands, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $17,439 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,554 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,819 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,235 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,801 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,518 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $56,386 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $63,404 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in The Woodlands, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
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 The Woodlands, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in The Woodlands?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in The Woodlands?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 cover 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.