Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tomball, TX (2023 Update)
- Tomball Solar Installation Cost: $14,437
- 25-Year Savings: $22,863
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tomball
We break down average solar pricing in Tomball.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Tomball it's 2.69 per watt. Because a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Tomball, the average price of going solar will be about $14,443 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. With typical savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Tomball find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Tomball, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tomball
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,313 |
| 3 years | $-14,064 |
| 5 years | $-13,816 |
| 7 years | $-13,567 |
| 9 years | $-13,318 |
| 11 years | $-13,070 |
| 13 years | $-12,821 |
| 15 years | $-12,572 |
| 17 years | $-12,324 |
| 19 years | $-12,075 |
| 21 years | $-11,826 |
| 23 years | $-11,578 |
| 25 years | $-11,329 |
Top Solar Installers in Tomball
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you're looking for a solar company in Tomball, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Tomball
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tomball
The cost of installing a solar system in Tomball can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,690. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Tomball average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Tomball homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Tomball, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 many companies available in Tomball, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Tomball, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tomball?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Tomball?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Tomball?
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 give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.