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Updated / TX residential estimate

Texas solar panel cost calculator

Estimate system size, panel count, gross cost, annual production, and savings using defaults for Texas. Enter an address or ZIP Code below to replace them with live location data.

Good production potential, hot summers, and retail electric plans that can change solar export economics.

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State data baseline

Planning sun hours
5.1 hours/dayState planning default used when API data is unavailable.
PVWatts annual yield
1,379 kWhPer 1 kW system at 20% loss. Solar resource: 5.40 kWh/m²/day; 15.7% capacity factor.
EIA residential rate
$0.1594/kWhLatest state average: 2026-06.
API baseline location
Austin, TX 78701, USA30.2729, -97.7444
Location APIGoogle Geocoding API
Electricity APIEIA Open Data API v2
Production APINLR PVWatts v8

Server-side API snapshot, refreshed monthly. All three providers returned external data.Data sources and update notes

Decision brief

What changes the decision in Texas

These state-specific checks are not included in a generic national quote. Resolve them before comparing payback claims. Supporting rules and official references are collected at the end of this page.

  1. 01Before you sign

    Identify the exact retail provider or utility

    A deregulated Retail Electric Provider, municipal utility, and electric cooperative can each apply different buyback terms. The state average rate does not identify your tariff.

  2. 02Before you sign

    Read buyback caps and settlement terms

    Ask whether exports are credited at a fixed, indexed, wholesale, or capped rate and whether unused credits expire. Do not size from the import rate alone.

  3. 03Before you sign

    File the property exemption application

    The Texas Comptroller lists Form 50-123 for solar and wind-powered energy devices; the local chief appraiser determines qualification.

Verified state policy

What can reduce your cost in Texas

Review these 3 statewide or utility-level policy signals before comparing net cost. They are not automatically applied because eligibility, tax liability, utility territory, equipment, and program capacity can change.

Policy configuration verified .

Policy sources
Not statewide01
Broad state solar cash rebate

$0 statewide

Texas has no single statewide residential cash rebate. Municipal utilities and electric delivery companies may offer local incentives.

Generally available02
Solar property-tax exemption

100% of solar device value

The appraised value attributable to a qualifying solar or wind-powered energy device can be exempted after filing Form 50-123 with the local appraisal district.

Not statewide03
Statewide net metering

No statewide retail-credit rule

Export compensation depends on the retail electric provider, municipal utility, or electric cooperative serving the address.

Calculation walkthrough

How we calculate for Texas

A worked example using this page's baseline assumptions. Calculator results above change when you edit the inputs.

Baseline inputs

Illustrative 1,000 kWh/month household

Solar resource
4.721 peak sun hours/day
Modeled system loss
20% loss / 80% delivered
Household electricity use
12,000 kWh/year
Energy value
$0.1594 retail / $0.04 export
  1. 01

    Annual output per 1 kW

    Location and production losses

    4.721 h/day × 365 days × 80% delivered

    1,379 kWh/year

  2. 02

    Required system capacity

    Annual demand divided by output

    12,000 kWh ÷ 1,379 kWh per kW

    8.7 kW

  3. 03

    Energy-based panel count

    Rounded up; entered usable roof area can cap the result

    8.7 kW ÷ 0.4 kW per panel → round up

    22 panels

    8.8 kW

  4. 04

    Estimated first-year value

    Retail offset plus export credit

    12,000 kWh × $0.1594 + 131 kWh × $0.04

    $1,918/year

Model notes and limitationsSources and scope

Production baseline

NLR PVWatts v8 modeled a 1 kW array at 20° tilt and 180° azimuth for Austin, TX 78701, USA.

Energy valuation

Self-consumed production offsets the retail rate. Production above annual use is valued at the configured export rate; utility tariffs may use different timing or settlement rules.

Not included

Roof shading, structural conditions, hourly tariffs, financing, maintenance, incentives, and tax eligibility require separate verification.

Texas FAQ

Data updated: 2026-08-11. API baseline: Google Geocoding API, EIA Open Data API v2, and NLR PVWatts v8. Policy assumptions should be verified before purchase using the sources below.

Sources & verification

Review the original API, statute, regulator, or program documentation before relying on an estimate for a purchase, tax filing, or contract.

Data sources

Geocoding, residential electricity rates, and solar production inputs.

3 sources · Updated 2026-08-11

State rules

Official references behind the state-specific decision checks.

3 primary references

Incentives

Tax, rebate, and compensation sources used for policy summaries.

3 policy sources · Reviewed Aug 11, 2026