If you live in the Lone Star state and are thinking about getting solar panels, one of the biggest questions you probably have is, “are solar panels worth it in Texas?”
Overall, solar panels offer a lot of benefits. Not just for us humans, but for the environment too.
When it comes to the benefits for homeowners, one of the biggest is the amount of money that people with solar panels can save on their utility bills. It can also lead to an increase in home value.
But sometimes, solar panels may not be worth it. For example, you live in a house that doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight. Or maybe you don’t use very much electricity and have low utility bills.
So does solar make sense for Texas homeowners? Let’s dig into the details to see if they are worth it or not.
Are Solar Panels Worth It In Texas?
The short answer to that is, for many Texas homeowners, the answer is yes. Getting solar panels is very much worth it if you live in the state of Texas. So if you are a resident of Texas and plan to install a solar panel unit, then it can be a good idea.
There are a few reasons why. One is the rising cost of electricity in the state. Like everywhere else in the U.S., Texans are paying more for their electricity. You can significantly reduce or even eliminate your electric bill by going solar. It can also protect you from having to pay even higher bills in the future.
Another reason is the highly unreliable electric grid in Texas. If you live in the state, you surely know the issues. But, especially in the winter, Texas has experienced widespread power outages that have left many in the dark and cold for days.
Going solar and getting a battery backup with your system can help keep the lights on even if the power grid goes down. Energy independence is a big selling point for many who wish to get solar.
Solar Costs and Incentives in Texas
Buying and installing a solar panel in Texas can cost you somewhere between $12,00 to $15,00. But most of the time, it is around $13,700 without the tax credits.
The cost of solar differs in each area. But the average cost per watt of a solar panel system in Texas ranges from $2.75 to $2.80.
Speaking of federal tax rebates, another reason why it is nice to have solar panels in Texas is because of it. Installing a solar panel on your property in Texas makes you eligible for a 30% federal tax credit.
This means the federal tax credit gives you the ability to cut the amount of taxes you pay by 30 percent. For example, a $10,000 solar panel system entitles you to $3,000 off your federal taxes.
And some cities in Texas even provide additional incentives that will convince you to switch to solar panel reliability. For example, in the city of Austin, there is a rebate program called the “residential solar rebate program.” This rebate has a value of up to $2,500 for every resident who installs a solar panel system.
And lastly, it is pretty sunny in the state of Texas. This means that solar panels will be highly efficient in the state compared to areas that are not as sunny.
The Possible Savings Are Huge
With all that said, Texas homeowners can see huge savings by switching to solar. Over a 20-year period, homeowners can potentially save tens of thousands of dollars by going solar. And that doesn’t even factor in rising electricity costs.
So, while solar is not worth it for every homeowner in Texas, it is very much worth it for many. So it’s worth using a solar calculator and getting a quote to see how much you can save.
