Texas has sunshine. Lots of it. In fact, it ranks near the top for solar potential in the U.S.
Add that to the fact that Texans use more electricity than any other state, and you’ve got a pretty solid reason to ask: are solar panels worth it in Texas?
Let’s break it down.
This article covers the financial benefits, the pros and cons, what makes solar panels a smart move (or not), and how to figure out if they’re a good fit for your Texas home.
Key Takeaways
- Texas gets over 200 days of sun a year, making solar panels highly efficient.
- Homeowners can save thousands on electric bills over time.
- Incentives like the federal solar tax credit reduce your upfront cost.
- Solar panels increase home value and offer protection from future energy price hikes.
- The average payback period in Texas is between 9 and 15 years.
- Upfront costs and roof compatibility are the biggest hurdles.
Pros of Solar Panels in Texas
Texas is a good match for solar. The weather works in your favor, and the laws don’t get in the way too much. Let’s go over what makes solar panels a smart option here.
Save Money on Your Energy Bills
Texans run air conditioning almost year-round. That means high energy bills.
Solar panels can shrink those bills or wipe them out. In some cases, you might even make money back through surplus energy credits, depending on your utility.
Increase Your Home’s Value
According to data from Zillow, homes with solar systems sell for 4.1% more than similar homes without them. That’s not a guess. That’s the market talking.
Eco-conscious buyers are actively looking for homes that generate electricity on their own. And solar homes often sell faster too.
Environmental Benefits
Installing solar panels helps you cut down your carbon footprint. You use less fossil fuel and burn less coal—without even thinking about it.
Pair your system with an EV charger, and now your car runs on sunshine too.
Financial Incentives & Tax Breaks
The federal government currently offers a 30% discount on your total solar panel installation cost. This is through the solar investment tax credit (ITC).
Texas also offers property tax exemptions on the value added by your solar system. That means your home’s value goes up, but your property taxes don’t.
Some local utilities even throw in rebates or performance-based incentives. Depends on where you live.
Energy Independence
When the grid goes down, most people go dark. But if you’ve got battery storage or a hybrid system, your lights stay on.
This is huge in Texas, where winter blackouts and overloaded summer grids are becoming more common.
Solar panels give you more control over your home’s power. That’s freedom.
Lower Maintenance Costs
Solar panels don’t ask for much. Hose them down every now and then. Maybe have a pro look them over once a year.
Most come with 25-year warranties. Some even longer. Panels don’t have moving parts, so there’s very little to break.
Protection from Rising Energy Costs
Utility rates in Texas bounce around like a rodeo bull. But once you install solar, you’ve locked in your price.
The sun doesn’t charge by the kilowatt-hour.
Advances in Solar Technology
Panels are more efficient than ever. Batteries store more power. And monitoring systems now show you real-time data from your phone.
Every year, solar becomes smarter, stronger, and easier to manage.
The Cons of Solar Panels in Texas
It’s not all sunshine and savings. Here are the things that might stop solar from working for you.
Upfront Costs
The average cost of a solar panel system in Texas is around $2.08 per watt. For a typical 6 kW system, that’s $12,000–$13,000 before incentives.
You can lower that with loans, solar leases, or power purchase agreements (PPAs). But you still need a plan. That’s a chunk of change.
Reliance on Sunlight
Cloudy days happen. Rain happens. Even in Texas.
Your panels won’t shut off completely—but they’ll work less efficiently during bad weather.
The good news? Fort Worth Texas averages 232 sunny days per year. That’s more than enough for solar to make sense in most places.
Roof Compatibility
Not every roof works for solar.
You need space. You need a roof that faces the sun. You need shingles that aren’t falling apart.
Some roofs need repair or replacement before a panel ever gets installed. Ground-mounted systems are an option, but they take up yard space.
HOA Limitations
Texas law says HOAs can’t ban solar panels—but they can create rules around placement, visibility, and how the system looks.
If you live in an HOA community, check the rules before signing anything.
How to Know If Solar Panels Are Worth It for Your Texas Home
This isn’t a guess. You can figure it out with real numbers. Here’s what to look at.
Your Home’s Electricity Consumption
If your energy use is high, solar makes more sense.
Texas homes use an average of 1,132 kWh per month, compared to a national average of 886 kWh. That means most Texas homeowners meet the threshold to see real savings.
Cost of Going Solar in Texas
Right now, solar panels cost between $2.08 per watt.
For a 6 kW system, expect about $12,000–$13,000 before credits. After the federal tax credit, you’re looking at $8,000-9,000.
Some local programs lower that even more.
Average Payback Period
Your payback period is the time it takes for your energy savings to match the cost of your solar panel installation.
In Texas, this range is usually 6 to 10 years. It depends on your energy use, utility rates, and local buy-back programs.
Want a rough estimate? Use an online solar calculator.
Average Solar Buy-Back Rates
Texas doesn’t have statewide net metering. But many private utility companies offer solar buy-back programs.
You get credits for the energy you send to the grid. Then you use those credits when you pull energy later.
If you can’t find a good buy-back program, consider a solar battery. It stores your extra energy for nighttime use.
Roof Orientation and Sun Exposure
Best-case scenario: south-facing roof with minimal shade.
But don’t panic. East- and west-facing roofs still work—just a little less efficiently.
More sun = more savings. Texas gives you plenty. Just make sure your panels aren’t blocked by trees or other buildings.
Solar Outlook in Texas
Texas is booming for solar.
The state ranks #2 in total solar installations, and that number keeps rising. Residential solar has grown more than 20% year-over-year.
That means prices are dropping, options are increasing, and long-term value looks solid.
Looking For Solar Panel Installation in Fort Worth, Texas?
If you’re in the Fort Worth area, Comfort Experts is your go-to team.
They offer straightforward advice, experienced solar installers, and full support through every step of the process. Whether you’re just curious or ready to install, they’ll help you figure out if solar makes sense for your home.
They also serve surrounding communities—and back their work with a satisfaction guarantee.
Comfort Experts = Electrical genius.
FAQs
Solar panels still confuse a lot of people. Let’s fix that.
Do solar panels work during power outages?
Not by themselves. If your system doesn’t have a battery or hybrid setup, it’ll shut down during an outage. That’s for safety. Add battery storage if you want backup power.
What happens if I move?
Your panels stay with the house—but you gain value. Solar systems increase resale price and make homes sell faster.
Can I go solar if I live in an apartment?
Not really. Solar panels need roof space. You could ask your landlord, but for now, renters are usually out of luck.
Will I still get an electric bill?
Yes—but it’ll be smaller. And if you generate more electricity than you use, your bill could be zero or even negative.
Is it harder to insure a home with solar panels?
Most insurers cover solar panels under standard home policies. Still, it’s smart to call your provider and double-check.
Final Thoughts
So—are solar panels worth it in Texas?
If you have a sunny roof, high energy bills, and a budget for the initial cost, solar can save you money.
Plus, you’ll be cutting your carbon footprint, raising your home’s value, and protecting yourself from unpredictable utility rates.
If you’re in Fort Worth or nearby, Comfort Experts can help you make the switch with no pressure, no gimmicks, and full confidence.
