Solar Savings in
Houston, Texas
Our local analysts have evaluated Houston's solar potential: CenterPoint rates at $0.142/kWh (18% above the national average) combined with 5 daily sun hours make this an attractive market for homeowners.
CenterPoint
$0.142/kWh
5 hrs/day
77005
Calculate Your Solar Savings
Personalized estimate for Houston, TX
Utility Provider
CenterPoint
Current Rate
$0.142/kWh
Get Your Free Solar Quote
Get personalized estimates from local Houston installers
Electricity Rate Comparison
How CenterPoint rates compare to state and national averages
Houston residents pay 18% more than the national average
Higher electricity costs mean greater potential savings when switching to solar power.
$0.142
Houston Rate/kWh
5h
Peak Sun Hours
+18%
Savings Potential
Higher electricity rates increase your potential savings from solar.Houston homeowners can lock in energy costs for 25+ years with solar panels, protecting against future rate increases.
Your Houston Solar Analyst
Sarah Chen
Houston Solar Specialist
Credentials
Electrical Engineering, Rice University
Sarah focuses on CenterPoint territory optimization, helping Houston-area residents maximize federal and local incentives. Her engineering background enables precise system sizing for humid Gulf Coast climates.
Certifications
Specialties
Last reviewed: January 2026
Verified ExpertHouston Solar Market Analysis
Houston presents a compelling case for residential solar adoption. With a population of approximately 2,300,000 and median home values around $330,000, the local market demonstrates strong suitability for solar investment.
The combination of 5 daily peak sun hours and CenterPoint's electricity rates of $0.142/kWh creates favorable conditions for solar ROI. Most Houston homeowners can expect payback periods between 7-10 years.
The current 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), available through 2032, significantly improves the economics of solar installation in the Houston area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about going solar in Houston
Yes, solar is typically an excellent investment in Houston. With 5 peak sun hours daily—higher than the national average—and CenterPoint charging $0.142/kWh, most homeowners see payback periods of 7-10 years. After that, you're generating free electricity for another 15-20 years. The 30% federal tax credit through 2032 further improves the ROI.
Savings depend on your current electricity usage. A Houston home with a $180/month electric bill can typically save $40,000-$60,000 over 20 years. These savings account for CenterPoint's current rates, historical rate increases of 3% per year, and system degradation of 0.5% annually.
Texas doesn't have statewide solar rebates, but the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides a 30% credit on your total system cost through 2032. This means a $20,000 system costs effectively $14,000 after the tax credit. Some CenterPoint programs may offer additional incentives—we recommend checking their current offerings.
System size depends on your electricity consumption. For a typical Houston home paying $180/month, you'd need approximately 8-10kW of solar panels. Our calculator above provides a personalized estimate based on your actual monthly bill and CenterPoint's rates.
Modern solar panels are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and typically last 25-30 years. While Texas heat can slightly reduce efficiency on the hottest days, the abundant sunshine more than compensates. Most manufacturers offer 25-year production warranties, guaranteeing at least 80% output over that period.
Standard grid-tied solar systems shut off during outages for safety reasons (to protect utility workers). If backup power is important to you, consider adding a battery storage system like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ. This allows you to store solar energy and maintain power during CenterPoint outages.
Texas has net metering policies that vary by utility. With CenterPoint, excess energy you generate is typically credited to your account, offsetting future usage. The exact rate and terms depend on your specific plan—our local analysts can help you understand your options.
Studies consistently show solar panels increase home values. According to Zillow, homes with solar sell for approximately 4.1% more on average. In Houston, where the median home value is $330,000, this could mean an additional $13,530 in resale value.