What would solar cost — and what would it save?
Move the sliders, get honest ranges. Every assumption is shown below the numbers, and none of it requires your contact info.
Averaged across the year — summer highs and winter lows.
¢ per kWh — it's on your bill. Houston-area plans average 14–16¢.
What your plan pays per exported kWh. Texas buyback plans range from 0¢ to near-retail — this matters a lot.
Most homes target 80–100%. Roof space sometimes decides for you.
Estimates, not a quote. Fixed utility charges still apply, and your roof, shading, and electric plan move these numbers — that's what the free assessment pins down.
Estimated installed cost
$24,000 – $33,500 before incentives · itemized in a real quoteSystem size
9.6 kW 1,200 kWh/mo usedBill savings + sales
~$160/mo ~$1,950 first yearEnergy sold to grid
~$70/mo at 10.0¢ per exported kWh25-year value
~$66,500 bill savings + energy sales, 3%/yr rate inflationPayback range
12.3–17.3 yrs cash purchase, no incentivesEvery assumption in this calculator
- Production: 1,400 kWh per kW per year — Houston-area typical for a decent roof with current-generation (TOPCon/HJT) panels, which handle Texas heat better than older cells; roof direction and shading move this
- Without a battery, ~35% of production is used directly at home (valued at your retail rate); the rest exports at your buyback rate — a battery raises the self-use share
- Installed cost: $2.30–$3.50 per watt — Texas is one of the country's cheapest install markets, so the low end here is lower than the national range
- Utility rates rise 3% per year; panel output declines 0.4% per year (2026 panel standard — and panels now carry 25–30 year warranties; we still model just 25 years)
- Savings shown before fixed utility charges; no federal purchase credit is included because the 25D credit expired 12/31/2025 — what still works
- System size clamped to 4–18 kW, the realistic residential range
About these numbers
How accurate is this calculator?
It's an honest ballpark, not a quote. It uses your bill, your rate, and regional production averages. Your real number depends on roof orientation, shading, structure, and your utility plan — which is why every assumption is listed, and why the final step is always a free on-site assessment.
Why is the cost a range?
Because honest solar pricing is a range until a roof is measured. The low end is a straightforward roof with standard equipment; the high end is complex roofs, premium equipment, or electrical upgrades. Most Texas installs land between $2.30–$3.50/W — full cost guide here.
Can I sell my extra solar power in Texas?
Yes. Texas is deregulated, so instead of one net-metering rule you choose an electricity plan with a "solar buyback" rate — what you're paid per exported kWh. Plans range from zero to near-retail, which is why it's a slider here and one of the first things we check in a real quote. A battery changes the math too: storing your excess beats selling it when buyback rates are low.
Do I have to enter contact info?
No. Play with it all you want — no email, no phone, no address. If the numbers look interesting, the quote button is right there. Your call.
The calculator guesses. We measure.
A free roof-first assessment turns these ranges into your itemized number — equipment, labor, permits, every line visible.
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