Worth it?
Is solar worth it in Texas in 2026?
For many DFW homeowners with a sunny roof, high summer bills and plans to stay put, yes. Without the federal credit, owned systems commonly pay for themselves in about 10–14 years — then keep producing for years after. It’s usually not worth it on a heavily shaded roof, a roof that needs replacing soon, or a low bill.
Solar usually pays off when…
- Your summer bills are high (big home, pool, EV).
- Your roof gets good sun and has years of life left.
- You plan to stay several years.
- You want backup power too.
Wait or skip when…
- Heavy shade covers most of the roof.
- Your roof needs replacing soon — re-roof first.
- Your bill is already low.
What it costs
| System | Typical home | Before incentives* |
|---|---|---|
| 8 kW | Smaller home or lower bills | about $18,000 |
| 10 kW | Typical DFW family home | about $22,500 |
| 12 kW | Larger home, pool or EV | about $27,000 |
| + battery | 13.5 kWh (e.g., Powerwall 3) | about $15,650 installed |
*Solar at the Texas average of about $2.25/W (EnergySage, Nov 2026). Battery: EnergySage 2026 average. Your price depends on your roof, equipment and design.
Why it still works without the tax credit
Texas electricity averages about 16¢ per kWh, and a well-placed DFW system makes roughly 1,400–1,500 kWh per kW each year. Using more of your own solar — especially with a battery — is where the savings are.
Frequently asked questions
How long does solar take to pay off in Texas?
Commonly about 10–14 years for owned systems in 2026, depending on your rate, usage, price and buyback plan.
Is solar worth it without the 30% tax credit?
For many sunny DFW homes with high bills, yes — payback is longer than before, but you own a system that keeps producing for 25+ years.
Should I add a battery?
If outages worry you or your buyback credit is low, a battery adds backup and lets you use more of your own solar.