Energy & Solar

Often yes, especially given how much summer cooling drives the local electric bill. Payback periods typically run 7 to 12 years depending on system size, your utility rate, and current incentives. Whether it makes sense for your specific roof and usage pattern is the conversation to have with an installer who provides a written production estimate.

The residential clean energy credit covers 30 percent of the system cost through 2032 under current law, then steps down. Confirm the rules for your specific tax year with the IRS or your tax preparer because credit terms have changed several times in the last decade.

Look for a NABCEP-certified installer with a Texas presence, ask for at least three local references with installs more than two years old, confirm they handle permitting and utility interconnection, and read the warranty carefully. Panels, inverter, and workmanship are three separate warranties; they should all be in writing.

A 7 to 10 kW residential system runs $20,000 to $32,000 before incentives, depending on roof complexity, panel choice, and whether you add a battery. After the federal credit, net costs typically land in the $14,000 to $22,000 range.

If the roof has fewer than 10 years of life left, replace it first. Removing and reinstalling panels later costs $1,500 to $3,000 and risks voiding the workmanship warranty on the panel installation. A reputable solar installer will tell you this before quoting.