Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Worth, TX (2024 Update)
- Fort Worth Solar Installation Cost: $17,734
- 25-Year Savings: $18,153
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Worth
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Fort Worth.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Fort Worth is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Fort Worth, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,734, or $25,360 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Fort Worth homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Worth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,976 |
| 3 years | $-12,460 |
| 5 years | $-8,943 |
| 7 years | $-5,427 |
| 9 years | $-1,911 |
| 11 years | $1,606 |
| 13 years | $5,122 |
| 15 years | $8,638 |
| 17 years | $12,154 |
| 19 years | $15,671 |
| 21 years | $19,187 |
| 23 years | $22,703 |
| 25 years | $26,220 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Worth
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Fort Worth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Worth
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Fort Worth: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,330. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Fort Worth, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $11,069 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $15,131 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $19,380 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $23,815 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $28,437 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $33,246 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $38,241 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $43,422 | 12.3 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. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Fort Worth, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Worth?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Worth 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my home 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 Fort Worth is currently $307,939, which means you could be looking at a value of about $12,625 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fort Worth is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.