Solar in Texas
What a typical 8 kW rooftop system generates and saves in Texas, from NREL sun data and the local power rate. A planning estimate, not a quote.
Based on 1550 kWh per kW per year of sun in Texas, a 16.4¢ per kWh rate, and $3.00 per watt installed.
In Texas, the payback is reasonable. Texas has strong sun and a moderate rate, so generation is high; deregulated plans and net-metering vary a lot by utility, so check your own.
Want to try a different system size? The full estimator lets you change the kilowatts and switch states. Remember this uses a state average; your roof, your exact rate, net metering, and any incentives will shift the numbers, so get two or three local quotes.
Texas solar questions
Is solar worth it in Texas?
Texas has strong sun and a moderate rate, so generation is high; deregulated plans and net-metering vary a lot by utility, so check your own. A typical 8 kW system in Texas generates about 12,400 kWh a year and saves roughly $2,034, paying back in about 11.8 years against an install cost near $24,000.
How much do solar panels cost in Texas?
At about $3.00 per watt installed (2.50 to 3.50 is the typical US range), a 8 kW system runs around $24,000 before the 30 percent federal tax credit or any state and utility programs.
How much sun does Texas get for solar?
NREL PVWatts puts Texas's photovoltaic output near 1550 kWh per kW of panels per year (Houston). That is the figure behind the generation estimate; your roof's tilt and shading move it up or down.
Sources
Sun from NREL PVWatts, rate from the US Energy Information Administration, cost from 2026 US cost benchmarks. Last reviewed 2026-06-30. This is a planning estimate, not a quote. It uses a state-level representative figure for sun and electricity price; your roof, shading, tilt, exact utility rate, net-metering rules, financing, and incentives will change the result. The payback shown is before incentives; the 30 percent federal solar tax credit and any state or utility programs shorten it. Run PVWatts for your address and get two or three local quotes before deciding. Figures last reviewed on the verified date.
Other states: Hawaii, California, Maryland, Rhode Island. Or see the full estimator.