Is the Cost of Solar Panels Worth It in Texas?
One of the biggest barriers to getting off the grid for many Texas homeowners is the upfront cost of installing solar panels. While the exact average can vary, a solar array large enough to power your entire home is very likely to reach five figures, so it’s important to know if this cost will be worth it in the long run.
Here at Dolan Roofing & Construction, we’ve begun offering solar roofing solutions to help our customers get the most out of their roofing systems. Solar doesn’t make sense for everyone—but solar panels can save many Texas homeowners a great deal compared to the average cost of energy each month. Here’s what you need to know about the cost of solar.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Texas?
The average to install an array of solar panels in Texas falls between $11,000 and $16,000. However, while this range captures the cost of most solar arrays, some will fall outside of this average. For example, those with lower power demands (or who simply aren’t looking to completely cover their home’s energy needs) may not reach $10,000 for the cost of their system. That said, those who live in larger households and have much higher energy demands may see their final installation cost eclipse $20,000.
For an exact price estimate, the best course of action is to schedule a solar consultation and have your home inspected by a professional roofer to evaluate whether your roof is solar ready.
What Affects the Cost of Solar Panels?
As mentioned above, the cost to install solar panels varies greatly for Texas homeowners. Power demands are perhaps the single biggest factor for those looking to completely cover their energy needs. In addition to the size of your household, you may also have more significant power demands if your home has power-hungry appliances such as a hot tub or electric vehicle charging station.
Over the life of your solar array, the most important factor in recouping your investment will be solar access. Solar access refers to the amount of sunlight exposure your solar panels will have. Greater solar access results in more energy potential, which enables you to save more money. Luckily for Texas homeowners, the Lone Star State ranks fourth in the US for average sunlight, but the exact amount of solar access your home has will vary.
Solar Rebates and Incentives
One way to minimize the upfront and ongoing cost to install solar panels is to take advantage of all possible rebates and incentives available to Texas homeowners. This includes the federal tax credit, local utility rebates, tax exemptions, and more. You can learn more about the rebates and incentives available to you in our previous blog post.
Don’t Forget Your Roof!
A roof-mounted solar array depends, naturally, on the health of your roof. This means your roof plays a significant role in the overall cost to install and maintain solar panels. For example, if your roof isn’t solar ready, you may install solar panels and then find that you need to replace your roof just a few years later. This will incur higher costs, as your solar panels will need to be carefully removed and reinstalled before and after your roof replacement.
This means it’s vital for your roof to be carefully inspected before you install solar panels. While making repairs to your roof now may add to the overall upfront cost of installing solar, you’ll save money and headaches in the long run by ensuring your roof will last throughout the life of your solar array.
Partner With Dolan for Your Solar Roofing Needs!
If you’re looking to make 2023 the year you go solar, Dolan Roofing San Antonio can help! We’ve partnered with some of the top solar installers in the country to bring our customers the best in solar roofing solutions. What’s more, when you work with both a solar installer and the roofing experts at Dolan, you can be confident that your roof is ready to support a solar array. We’ll thoroughly inspect your roof both before and after solar installation to make sure it’s in excellent condition. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and inspection!
