Solar Panel Cost Guide in River Oaks, TX (2024 Update)
- River Oaks Solar Installation Cost: $17,834
- 25-Year Savings: $22,781
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in River Oaks
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in River Oaks.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in River Oaks generally cost around 3.Since a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in River Oaks, the average price of going solar will be about $17,834 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of River Oaks homeowners. The cost 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.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in River Oaks, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in River Oaks
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,413 |
| 3 years | $-13,571 |
| 5 years | $-10,729 |
| 7 years | $-7,887 |
| 9 years | $-5,045 |
| 11 years | $-2,202 |
| 13 years | $640 |
| 15 years | $3,482 |
| 17 years | $6,324 |
| 19 years | $9,166 |
| 21 years | $12,008 |
| 23 years | $14,850 |
| 25 years | $17,693 |
Top Solar Installers in River Oaks
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 River Oaks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in River Oaks
The cost of installing a solar system in River Oaks can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 nearly $3,330. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the River Oaks average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in River Oaks, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for River Oaks homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in River Oaks, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in River Oaks have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $14,618 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,863 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,295 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,914 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,719 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,710 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,888 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $55,253 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in River Oaks, 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:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 River Oaks, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in River Oaks?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, 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 River Oaks?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $972.11 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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.