Solar Panel Cost Guide in The Woodlands, TX (Mar 2023)
- The Woodlands Solar Installation Cost: $14,443
- 25-Year Savings: $22,858
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 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 typically cost about 2.69. The average solar panel system size in The Woodlands is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,443 for a solar installation, or $20,653 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average The Woodlands homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in The Woodlands, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in The Woodlands
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,951 |
| 3 years | $-9,967 |
| 5 years | $-6,983 |
| 7 years | $-3,998 |
| 9 years | $-1,014 |
| 11 years | $1,970 |
| 13 years | $4,954 |
| 15 years | $7,938 |
| 17 years | $10,922 |
| 19 years | $13,906 |
| 21 years | $16,890 |
| 23 years | $19,874 |
| 25 years | $22,858 |
Top Solar Installers in The Woodlands
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations 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 The Woodlands
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in The Woodlands
For many The Woodlands homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in The Woodlands, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in The Woodlands, one of the most important 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like The Woodlands, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in The Woodlands, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $17,439 | 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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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 The Woodlands, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in The Woodlands?
The average cost of solar panels in The Woodlands 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in The Woodlands?
A solar panel system isn't free in The Woodlands, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.