Solar Panel Cost Guide in The Woodlands, TX (2024 Update)
- The Woodlands Solar Installation Cost: $17,872
- 25-Year Savings: $22,863
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in The Woodlands
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in The Woodlands.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in The Woodlands it’s 3 per watt.Since a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in The Woodlands, the average price of going solar will be about $17,872 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in The Woodlands depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in The Woodlands
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,574 |
| 3 years | $-13,977 |
| 5 years | $-11,379 |
| 7 years | $-8,782 |
| 9 years | $-6,185 |
| 11 years | $-3,588 |
| 13 years | $-991 |
| 15 years | $1,606 |
| 17 years | $4,203 |
| 19 years | $6,801 |
| 21 years | $9,398 |
| 23 years | $11,995 |
| 25 years | $14,592 |
Top Solar Installers in The Woodlands
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 The Woodlands
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in The Woodlands
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in The Woodlands: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in The Woodlands, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many The Woodlands homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for The Woodlands homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. The Woodlands’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $14,644 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,898 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,339 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,966 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,780 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,780 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,967 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $55,340 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
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 The Woodlands, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in The Woodlands?
The average cost of solar panels in The Woodlands 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in The Woodlands?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 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.