Texas Solar Panels
Pricing & Installation Data

Find out if solar panels are right for your home in Texas.

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Solar Panels in Texas

Solar panels can be spotted all over The Lonestar State on roofs of homes and businesses alike. Not to mention the 17 large-scale solar power facilities that make Texas one of the largest solar energy generators in the US. 

While solar power and other renewable energy options are booming in popularity, there is much to consider. Whether you are trying to reduce your carbon footprint or your utility bills we’ll walk you through the most important factors to help you make the best energy decision.

Cost of Solar in Texas

The average price for a home solar panel system in Texas is $14,820 or about $2.60 per watt. Systems will vary depending on the solar installation company the types of solar panels you choose and the size of your system. When shopping for solar panels you should consider getting multiple quotes from various installers.

Average Cost
6 kW System
Average Cost
10 kW System
Estimated
Tax Credit
(10 kW System)
Average
Cost/Watt
U.S.Average$18,771$31,285$9,385.50$3.13
Texas$15,600$26,000$7,800$2.60
U.S.Average$18,771$31,285$9,385.50$3.13
Most Costly State(Michigan)$22,680$37,800$11,340$3.78
Least Costly State(Arizona)$14,640$24,400$7,320$2.44

Costs by Solar System Size in Texas

For most, the ideal solar system size is the sweet spot between price and capacity. The goal is to generate enough electricity to cover your home's demand while keeping overall costs low as possible.

I.E. Get the best bang for your buck.

System SizeSystem CostCost After Federal Tax Credit
5 kW$13,000$8,785
6 kW$15,600$10,542
7 kW$12,299
8 kW$20,800$14,056
10 kW$26,000$17,570

Pros and Cons of Solar in Texas

Unfortunately, nothing is perfect - including solar. To avoid buyer's remorse, you should think about all the pros and cons associated with installing solar equipment on your home. Then weigh them against each other to decide if it makes sense for you.

Everyone has their own opinion on how to interpret and weigh the pros and cons against each other. Our goal is to present the most common pros and cons and let you make your own choice.

Texas Solar Pros

  • Reduce or eliminate electric bills
  • Energy independence from the grid
  • Reduce your carbon footprint
  • Increase home value (4.1% on average)
  • Texas ranks 5th in total daily sunlight in the U.S.
  • There are many solar buy-back plans available

Texas Solar Cons

  • Not viable for all roofs or homes
  • Installation costs
  • Financial liability
  • Fewer savings than other states
  • No statewide solar tax credit
  • No statewide net metering

EnergyBot's Take

Texas has an ideal climate for solar panels. Plenty of sunlight during peak energy usage seasons. But, electricity costs in Texas are relatively low to other states so in most cases solar panels in Texas do not deliver substantial savings.

Most homes will realize a slightly more expensive investment over 25 years versus buying electricity traditionally. However, if you prioritize energy independence and renewable energy, a near-breakeven scenario might be perfect for your situation.

If you are on the fence you can use this tool to get an accurate cost breakdown for your home based on your historical energy usage.

Leasing vs Buying Solar Panels in Texas

There are several ways you can purchase and/or finance your solar panel installation in Texas. Your goals and financial situation will dictate which option is best for you.

Cash Purchase

The most straightforward option. You pay upfront for the entire cost of the rooftop solar system. No interest, and fewer headaches, but many people are hesitant about spending several tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Solar Loan

The most common method for buying solar systems. Like many other types of large purchases, you can finance your solar system through a bank or solar loan provider.

This sounds great, and many other solar loan salespeople will leverage the low payment to justify the costs. You will likely hear something like "You pay $250 a month on your electric bill, with a solar loan you will pay $200 and have free electricity."

Do your due diligence before you sign on the dotted line. There are many horror stories of variable loan terms, ballooning interest rates, and harsh missed payment penalties.

Solar Lease

Leasing solar panels generally involves less money out of pocket upfront. But, it's important to note - you do not own your solar energy system. You essentially renting the solar system. A solar provider will install the equipment and charge you a fixed monthly fee.

Most solar lease contracts last for a couple of decades, during which time the provider will keep an eye on the system's hardware and performance. At the end of your lease, you can choose to:

  • Renew your lease agreement
  • Purchase the system
  • End your lease agreement

Solar leases can be complicated. Not all are bad, but in many cases the lease terms in not in favor of the buyer. Before you decide on a solar lease make sure to read your contract thoroughly. If you don't understand something, ask an expert.

Power Purchase Agreements

A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement where a solar company will design and install a solar system on your home or business with little or no cost upfront. Instead of paying a monthly fee like a lease, the agreement includes a fixed price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated.

For example, you agree to pay $0.12 per kWh of electricity generated for the next 20 years. The solar company will install and maintain your system and sell the power back to you that you use. They may also collect payment for any additional energy they put back into the grid.

Just like a lease, you do not own the panels. When the contract is up, they will either be removed or your contract may have other terms for you to buy or renew your power purchase agreement.

Power purchase agreements can be complicated. Before you sign make sure you review the contract and if possible have an expert in power purchase agreements review the details.

Texas Solar Incentives

In addition to the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, you may be eligible for solar incentives that could significantly reduce the cost of solar panel installation. Some incentives are statewide and others are more local. Your city, utility, or other local company could offer hundreds or thousands of dollars in incentives to install solar systems.

This table shows the available incentives in Texas. But, just because you don't see it here doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Check with your local utility for other potential incentives.

Name State Category Type
Fuel Mix and Emissions Disclosure TX Regulatory Policy Generation Disclosure
San Antonio City Public Service - Distributed Generation Program TX Regulatory Policy Net Metering
Solar and Wind Energy Device Franchise Tax Deduction TX Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Deduction
Solar and Wind Energy Business Franchise Tax Exemption TX Financial Incentive Industry Recruitment/Support
Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption TX Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Texas - Net Metering TX Regulatory Policy Net Metering
Austin Energy - Net Metering TX Regulatory Policy Net Metering
Certification of Solar Collectors TX Regulatory Policy Equipment Certification
Mandatory Renewable Energy Educational Materials TX Regulatory Policy Line Extension Analysis
Austin Energy - Solar Water Heating Rebate TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Austin Energy - Solar Loan Program TX Financial Incentive Loan Program
Austin Energy - Home Energy Loans TX Financial Incentive Loan Program
Big Country Electric Coop - PV Water Pump Sales & Lease Program TX Financial Incentive Leasing Program
Hansford County Tax Abatement TX Financial Incentive Industry Recruitment/Support
Interconnection Standards TX Regulatory Policy Interconnection
Ethanol and Biodiesel Production Incentive TX Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Program TX Financial Incentive Loan Program
American Electric Power - Standard Offer Demand Response Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Texas Gas Service - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Texas Gas Service - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Texas Gas Service - Commercial Water Heating Energy Efficiency Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Texas-New Mexico Power Company - Residential and Hard-to-Reach Standard Offer Programs TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Texas-New Mexico Power Company - Energy Star Homes Market Transformation Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Xcel Energy - Commercial and Industrial Standard Offer Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Xcel Energy - Residential and Hard-to-Reach Standard Offer Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Xcel Energy - Air Conditioner Distributor Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Building Energy Code TX Regulatory Policy Building Energy Code
Austin Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program TX Financial Incentive Loan Program
Austin Energy - Commercial Energy Management Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Austin Energy - Multi-Family Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Austin Energy - Weatherization Assistance Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Bryan Texas Utilities - Low-Interest Insulation Loan Program TX Financial Incentive Loan Program
Bryan Texas Utilities - Energy Efficiency Loan Program TX Financial Incentive Loan Program
College Station Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Denton Municipal Electric - Residential GreenSense Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Tri-County Electric Cooperative - Energy Efficient Water Heater Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Pedernales Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Magic Valley Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Farmers Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Energy Efficiency Goals and Requirements for Public Entities TX Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
San Antonio City Public Service (CPS Energy) - Renewable Portfolio Goal TX Regulatory Policy Renewables Portfolio Standard
Oncor Electric Delivery - Energy Star Homes Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Oncor Electric Delivery - Home Energy Efficiency Program (Texas) TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
CenterPoint Energy - Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Programs TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
CenterPoint Energy - Residential and Hard-to-Reach Energy Efficiency Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Entergy Texas - Residential and Small Commercial Standard Offer Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Entergy Texas - Commercial Solutions Programs TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
City of Frisco - Residential and Commercial Green Building Requirements TX Regulatory Policy Building Energy Code
Frisco - Municipal Green Building Program TX Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
City of Dallas - Green Building Policy for Municipal Buildings (Energy Efficiency Requirements) TX Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
City of Austin - Green Power Purchasing TX Regulatory Policy Green Power Purchasing
ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday for Energy-Efficient Products TX Financial Incentive Sales Tax Incentive
CPS Energy - Solar PV Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
CPS Energy - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebates TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
City of Houston - Green Power Purchasing TX Regulatory Policy Green Power Purchasing
City of Houston - Green Building Policy for Municipal Buildings TX Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Bryan Texas Utilities - Solar PV Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Oncor Electric Delivery - Data Center Energy Management Pilot Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Plano - Renewable Energy Purchasing Policy TX Regulatory Policy Green Power Purchasing
Oncor Electric Delivery - Commercial Standard Offer Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative - Renewable Energy Rebates TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Entergy Texas - Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Green Mountain Energy Renewable Rewards Buy-Back Program TX Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Texas New Mexico Power Company - Solar PV Pilot Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Entergy Texas - Solar PV Pilot Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Pedernales Electric Cooperative - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Denton Municipal Electric - GreenSense Solar PV/Thermal Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
AEP Texas - Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
AEP Texas Central Company - SMART Source Solar PV Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
AEP Texas North Company - SMART Source Solar PV Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
AEP (SWEPCO) - SMART Source Solar PV Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
City of Sunset Valley - PV Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
City of Sunset Valley - Solar Water Heating Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Renewable Energy Demonstration Pilot Program TX Financial Incentive Grant Program
Department of Rural Affairs - Wind Energy for Desalination Program TX Financial Incentive Grant Program
AEP SWEPCO - SCORE Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
AEP Texas Central Company - CitySmart Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
AEP Texas Central Company - Commercial Solutions Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
AEP Texas Central Company - SCORE Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
AEP Texas North Company - CitySmart Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
AEP (Central, SWEPCO and North) - Commercial Solutions Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
CenterPoint Energy - SCORE and CitySmart Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
CenterPoint Energy - SCORE Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
El Paso Electric Company - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
El Paso Electric Company - Small Business and Large Commercial Programs TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Austin Energy - Commercial Solar PV Incentive Program TX Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
CPS Energy - Solartricity Producer Program TX Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Green Mountain Energy Renewable Rewards Program TX Regulatory Policy Net Metering
Bandera Electric Cooperative - Residential Heat Pump Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
City of San Antonio and CPS Energy - City Lights Small Business Energy Efficiency Program TX Financial Incentive Loan Program
Texas - Residential Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebates TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
CenterPoint Energy - ENERGY STAR Homes Efficiency Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
AEP (Central and North) - Residential Energy Efficiency Programs TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
City of Brenham - Net Metering TX Regulatory Policy Net Metering
AEP (Central and SWEPCO) - Coolsaver A/C Tune Up or Replacement TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Oncor Electric Delivery - Government and Education Facilities Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Oncor Electric Delivery - City and School Matching Grant Program TX Financial Incentive Grant Program
City of San Antonio - Residential and Commercial Green Building Requirements TX Regulatory Policy Building Energy Code
City of San Antonio - Green Building Policy for Municipal Buildings TX Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
CoServ Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
CoServ Electric Cooperative - Commercial Energy Efficient Lighting Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
CPS Energy - New Commercial Construction Incentives TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
CPS Energy - New Residential Construction Incentives TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
City of Dallas - Green Building Expedited Plan Review TX Financial Incentive Green Building Incentive
New Braunfels Utilities - Residential Solar Water Heater Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
City of Austin - Zoning Code TX Regulatory Policy Solar/Wind Access Policy
Texas Solar Rights TX Regulatory Policy Solar/Wind Access Policy
Harris County - Property Tax Abatement for Green Commercial Buildings TX Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
CoServ - Solar Energy Rebate (Discontinued) TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Magic Valley Electric Cooperative - ENERGY STAR Builders Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
City of Friendswood - Property Tax Abatement for Green Commercial Buildings TX Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
City of San Marcos - Energy Efficient Home Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
AEP (SWEPCO) - Residential Energy Efficiency Programs TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Austin Energy - Residential Solar Loan Program TX Financial Incentive Loan Program
AEP (Central, SWEPCO and North) - SCORE Program for Schools TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
AEP (Central) - CitySmart Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Sharyland Utilities - Commercial Standard Offer Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
City of Plano - Smart Energy Loan Program TX Financial Incentive Loan Program
Brownsville Public Utilities Board - Residential/Small Commercial Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
TXU - Commercial Energy Efficiency Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Bryan Texas Utilities - SmartHOME Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
El Paso Electric Company - Net Metering TX Regulatory Policy Net Metering
San Antonio City Public Service (CPS Energy) - Net Metering TX Regulatory Policy Net Metering
City of Fort Worth - Residential and Commercial Green Building Requirements TX Regulatory Policy Building Energy Code
City of Forth Worth - Green Building Policy for Municipal Buildings TX Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
City of Houston - Residential and Commercial Green Building Requirements TX Regulatory Policy Building Energy Code
City of El Paso - Green Building Policy for Municipal Buildings TX Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
City of El Paso - Residential and Commercial Green Building Requirements TX Regulatory Policy Building Energy Code
Austin Energy - Value of Solar Rate TX Regulatory Policy Value of Solar Tariff
CenterPoint Energy Healthcare Energy Efficiency Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
CenterPoint Energy A/C Distributor Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
CenterPoint Energy Low-Rise Multi Family Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Garland Power & Light - EnergySaver Solar Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
City of San Antonio - Sec. 35-398. - Renewable Energy Systems TX Regulatory Policy Solar/Wind Permitting Standards
City of San Marcos - Commercial Lighting Retrofit Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Austin Energy - Multifamily Solar PV Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Texas Clean Fleet Program TX Financial Incentive Grant Program
Emission Reduction Incentive Grants Program TX Financial Incentive Grant Program
Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Governmental Alternative Fuel Fleet Grant Program TX Financial Incentive Grant Program
Austin Energy - EV Charging Station Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Entergy Texas - EV Charging Station Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
SWEPCO - EV Residential Charging Station Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
United Cooperative Services - EV Charging Station Rebate Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Oncor Electric Delivery - Commercial Solar Program TX Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Tax-Exempt Financing for Green Buildings, Renewable Energy & Brownfield Redevelopment US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Conservation Security Program (CSP) Production Incentive US Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Federal Excise Tax Exemption for Gasohol US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Exemption
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS) US Financial Incentive Corporate Depreciation
Energy Star Financing and Mortgages US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA Rural Housing Service Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Exemption
Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI) US Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Small Business Administration Loan Programs US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Energy-Efficient Mortgages US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government US Regulatory Policy Green Power Purchasing
Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Deduction
Energy-Efficient New Homes Tax Credit for Home Builders US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Energy-Efficient Appliance Manufacturing Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Industry Recruitment/Support
Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Veterans Housing Guaranteed and Insured Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Federal Appliance Standards US Regulatory Policy Appliance/Equipment Efficiency Standards
Energy Goals and Standards for Federal Agencies US Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) US Financial Incentive Loan Program
U.S. Department of Treasury - Renewable Energy Grants US Financial Incentive Grant Program
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
USDA - Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Repowering Assistance Biorefinery Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Title I Property Improvement Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance (EA/REDA) Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit (Corporate) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit (Personal) US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Previously-Owned Clean Vehicle Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit

Texas Solar Companies

There are hundreds of solar companies in Texas. From solar installers to solar loan providers, and manufacturers. Each is a piece of the puzzle to help you get outfitted with solar panels.

To make things simple, EnergyBot works directly with 3 of the largest solar companies to give you a comprehensive view of the market.

The solar companies we partner with:

  • Project Solar - A nationwide provider of solar panel systems that has a non-sales-oriented approach to building your system. They build your system from their central office and send a local company to complete the solar panel installation.
  • EnergySage - The largest online solar installation network. They work with thousands of installers to help you find the perfect solar system for your home. With thousands of successful solar installations, they can give you a range of bids and pricing options.
  • Tesla - Brains behind some of the most cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry, Tesla also offers sleek and powerful solar systems and battery systems.

We believe comparing these three names in the solar industry will give you the info you need to decide if solar panels are right for you.

Before You Install Solar Panels

Just because solar is a popular discussion right now, doesn’t mean it makes sense for everyone. It is still a large and expensive decision. Installing solar has great financial and environmental benefits but it won’t feel beneficial if you run into issues. Along with studying a 20-year cost comparison for your home, read some more tips to keep in mind when mulling over your decision on your installer, system design, and financial plan.

  • What are the long-term savings and payback period for installing a solar panel system?
  • How will installing solar panels impact my home's value?
  • What is the system’s Return on Investment (ROI)?
  • Are there any specific design or aesthetic considerations for solar panel installation?
  • How do I weigh the environmental benefits against the costs of installation?
  • What are the specific terms and conditions for the installer?

Why Trust EnergyBot

We have helped thousands of customers find electricity plans for their home or business. And we are pretty darn good at it, with over 1,000 5-Star reviews we know how to help you stay powered up.

Now using the same one-of-kind technology and platform we are helping consumers find out if solar is right for them. You will notice that sometimes our numbers make solar look less attractive. That's not by accident. We believe you should have full transparency during the solar purchasing process.

We aren't here to sell you something. We are here to help you make the best energy decision for your home or business.

Texas Solar FAQs

The cost of solar panel installation can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including the size and type of the system, the complexity of the installation, your solar installer, and the specific location. However, the average cost of solar panels in the U.S. was about $2.81 per watt, before any incentives or tax credits.

For a typical residential solar system, which is usually around 8 kilowatts (8,000 watts), this would equate to roughly $21,760 before incentives.

The number of solar panels you would need depends on a variety of factors such as:

  1. Your home's energy consumption: The first step is to calculate your household's energy use. You can do this by looking at your electricity bills to see how much electricity you use in a year, usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The average U.S. home uses around 10,400 kWh per year, but this can vary widely based on the size of your home, the efficiency of your appliances, and your personal habits.
  2. The amount of sunlight your location receives: This can vary depending on where you live. For example, if you live in a place that has many sunny days like Arizona, you might require fewer solar panels compared to someone living in a place with less sunlight like Seattle.
  3. The efficiency of the solar panels: Not all solar panels are created equal. Some panels can convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently than others. On average, residential solar panels have an efficiency rating between 15-20%. The higher the efficiency, the fewer panels you would likely need to meet your energy needs.
  4. The size of the solar panels: Solar panels also come in different sizes. A common size for residential use is roughly 65 inches by 39 inches. Each panel typically produces around 250 to 400 watts of power, but this can vary.

To give you a rough estimate, let's say you live in a location that receives about 5 hours of peak sunlight per day, your solar panels have an efficiency of 20%, and each panel has a power rating of 300 watts. If your home uses about 10,400 kWh per year, you would divide this by 365 to get your daily energy use (about 28.5 kWh). You would then divide this by the hours of peak sunlight (5 hours), to get your required power output per hour (about 5.7 kW). If each solar panel produces 300 watts (or 0.3 kW), you would divide 5.7 kW by 0.3 to get the number of solar panels you need, which would be about 19 panels.

  • Lower Electricity Bills:
    Once your solar panels are installed, you can generate your own electricity and reduce your reliance on the grid, which can lower your monthly bills.
  • Environmental Benefits:
    Solar energy is clean and renewable, so using it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants.
  • Increased Home Value:
    Installing solar panels can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
  • Long-Term Savings:
    While the upfront cost of installing solar energy systems can be high, they can pay for themselves over time through lower energy bills and other savings.
  • Location:
    Homes in areas with lots of sunlight are generally better candidates for solar panels. If your home is shaded or doesn't receive much sunlight, it may not be the best choice.
  • Roof Orientation:
    Ideally, your roof should be facing south to get the most sunlight throughout the day.
  • Roof Condition:
    Your roof should be in good condition and able to support the weight of the solar panels. If your roof needs repairs or replacement, it's best to take care of that before your solar installation.

The installation process for solar panels can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation.

Your installer should be able to give you an estimated timeline based on your specific project.

Solar panels generally require very little maintenance. However, it's a good idea to have them inspected every few years to ensure they are working properly and to clean off any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the panels. Most solar panel installers offer maintenance services for an additional fee.

Some skilled DIYers may be able to save some solar installation costs by installing solar equipment themselves. But, any solar installation will require a foundational knowledge of wiring and electricity. There's is a lot that can go wrong, posing a potentially deadly hazard.

Before you try to DIY your system we would recommend getting a quote from a solar installer. You may find that the labor costs of your install is relatively small compared to the cost of the solar equipment itself.

There are two main types of solar panels: Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline. There are pros and cons to both. Either type can produce enough solar power for your home. We recommend getting a recommendation from a solar installer for your home. Depending on your budget, location, and other factors they can recommend the most efficient solar panels for your home.