Solar Panel Cost Guide in Houston, TX (2024 Update)

  • Houston Solar Installation Cost: $17,828
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,746
  • Payback Period: 12.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Houston

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Houston.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Houston typically cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Houston is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,828 for a solar installation, or $25,494 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Houston homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Houston can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Houston

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,084
3 years $-12,596
5 years $-9,108
7 years $-5,621
9 years $-2,133
11 years $1,355
13 years $4,843
15 years $8,331
17 years $11,819
19 years $15,307
21 years $18,794
23 years $22,282
25 years $25,770

Top Solar Installers in Houston

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Houston:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Houston

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Houston

The cost of installing a solar system in Houston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,330. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect the cost. Houston’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Houston know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.46 $14,545 $14,597 12.5 years
8 kW $3.40 $19,021 $19,835 12.2 years
10 kW $3.33 $23,310 $25,260 12.0 years
12 kW $3.26 $27,413 $30,871 11.8 years
14 kW $3.20 $31,329 $36,669 11.5 years
16 kW $3.13 $35,058 $42,654 11.3 years
18 kW $3.06 $38,601 $48,825 11.0 years
20 kW $3.00 $41,958 $55,182 10.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Houston, TX Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Houston?

The average cost of solar panels in Houston is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Houston is currently $264,789, which means you can expect a value of about $10,856 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Houston is a fruitful investment.

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 the amount of 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 install 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.

Follow us