Solar power in Houston, Texas
Incentives here vary a great deal from utility to utility, as well as what part of the city you live in. We will list as many as possible and then you should be able to work out what applies to you.
Reliant, TXU, Amigo Energy and Green Mountain Power all offer net metering for your excess solar generation.
Reliant and Green Mountain Energy offer a rebate up to $4,500 averaged at about $2,800 for systems up to 15kW in size.
After deducting your utility rebate, part of the remaining cost (26% in 2020) can be claimed as a deduction to federal taxes over however many years you want. The federal solar tax credit imposes no size restrictions to receive the full amount.
Incentives are rarely this generous, utilities are fighting hard to end these incentives so don't wait any longer because they won't get any better!
Net Metering Broken Down
Reliant, TXU, Amigo Energy and Green Mountain Power all offer credit for excess solar generation sent to the grid 1kWh exported to the grid is given the same value as 1kWh drawn from the grid at a later tim
e. Excess power exported after covering your bill is credited at the retail power rate as a credit to a future bill or paid to your account.
With great sunshine in Houston solar can make serious money.
The average cost of installing residential solar panels in Houston,
Texas in 2024 is
$2.52 per watt. The average system size
in the US is 6 kilowatts, which means the average price of a solar system
in Houston, TX
is $12,600.
(after claiming 26% tax credit and other rebates)
The 26% federal solar tax credit explained
If you have a federal income tax liability, 26% of the cost of your solar system can be claimed as a deduction to your taxes. This incentive is claimed when you do your taxes. In order to receive the tax credit quicker it's best to do your taxes as soon as possible after installation.
What if my tax liability is less than 26% of my systems costThere is the option to claim this incentive over several years if your tax liability is less than 26% of the system cost.
How much will solar panels on my home save me?
The answer to this question depends on your electricity usage. Generally speaking the greater your power usage the greater the potential savings from installing solar.
The average monthly usage in Texas is only 1168kWh per month however, you are most likely using a lot more than this since this average includes condos and small apartments.
The Houston solar panel savings calculator below will convert your monthly power spend into power usage (in kWh's) and then work out exactly how many solar panels you need to offset your usage, how much they will cost based on the prices of local solar companies and the amount you will save. Our Texas solar savings calculator can do this because it contains a database of the electric rates charged by Entergy Texas Inc., Panola-Harrison Elec Coop Inc, San Bernard Electric Coop Inc, Southwestern Electric Power Co, Upshur Rural Elec Coop Corp, Reliant Energy Retail Services
How much can solar panels save you in Houston
What does the cost of a real solar system look like?
Facts about installing a 15.68kW solar system in Houston, TX
This system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $220, however your situation may vary so try our Houston solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
$26,687
Net cost of system
8 Years 6 Months
Average payback time
20,307 kWh
Annual power production
5¢/kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
23¢/kWh
If you don't get solar
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 15.68kW system
Life-time savings on this system over the next 25 years
$78,874
(Prices shown after repayments of capital)
49
Solar companies in Houston, TX that provide pricing through the SolarEstimate marketplace.
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Houston
| System Size |
Cash purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $5,972 | $6,450 |
| 4kw | $7,785 | $8,408 |
| 5kw | $9,546 | $10,310 |
| 6kw | $11,189 | $12,084 |
| 7kw | $12,795 | $13,818 |
| 8kw | $14,267 | $15,409 |
| 9kw | $15,718 | $16,975 |
| 10kw | $17,020 | $18,382 |
Find out what system size you need for your home
Going solar in Texas
Check out all of the ways energy providers of Texas can help you be more energy efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Renewable Energy Property Tax Incentive | State | Property Tax Incentive |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.
