Solar Energy in Houston, Texas
Average Solar Resource
#17 nationally · #5 in Texas
Pop. 2,304,580
Houston, Texas receives 4.55 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance and 5.0 peak sun hours daily, representing average solar resources . A typical 5 kW residential solar system in Houston produces approximately 7,242 kWh annually, potentially saving homeowners $905 per year on electricity bills. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, a 5 kW system has an estimated payback period of 11.6 years, leaving roughly 13 years of profitable operation within a standard 25-year warranty. For maximum annual output in Houston, panels should be tilted at approximately 30° and oriented true south (180° azimuth).
Solar Resource Summary
GHI vs. US national average (4.5 kWh/m²/day)
Average
0
7.5 kWh/m²/day
Monthly Solar Data
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GHI (kWh/m²/d) | 2.81 | 3.38 | 4.32 | 5.42 | 6.02 | 6.13 | 5.96 | 5.68 | 4.89 | 4.14 | 3.16 | 2.59 | 4.55 |
| DNI (kWh/m²/d) | 3.57 | 3.6 | 3.95 | 4.46 | 4.52 | 4.71 | 4.61 | 4.56 | 4.32 | 4.39 | 3.74 | 3.36 | 4.15 |
Source: NREL. Monthly averages in kWh/m²/day and °C.
Solar Production Estimates for Houston
5 kW Residential
Typical home system
7,242 kWh/yr
604 kWh/month avg
≈ $905/year savings
10 kW Residential
Large home system
14,483 kWh/yr
1,207 kWh/month avg
≈ $1,810/year savings
50 kW Commercial
Small commercial
72,416 kWh/yr
6,035 kWh/month avg
100 kW Commercial
Medium commercial
144,832 kWh/yr
12,069 kWh/month avg
Production estimates based on NREL solar resource data, 30° tilt, south-facing orientation, and 80% performance ratio.
Local Solar Conditions in Houston
Solar production in Houston is relatively consistent year-round, ranging from 2.6 to 6.1 kWh/m²/day across the seasons.
- Best Tilt Angle
- 30° (latitude-optimized)
- Best Azimuth
- 180° (true south)
- Coordinates
- 29.7604°N, -95.3698°
Financial Overview — Solar in Houston
Solar is a sound investment in Houston. A 11.6-year payback period is in line with the national average. With electricity rates likely to increase over time, actual payback may be shorter. Estimated annual savings from a 5 kW system: $905/year.
- Avg. Electricity Rate
- $0.125/kWh (TX avg)
- Est. Annual Savings (5 kW)
- $905/year
- Est. Payback Period
- 11.6 years (after 30% ITC)
- Federal ITC
- 30% of system cost
- Net Metering
- Available
Financial estimates assume a 5 kW system at $3,000/W installed ($15,000 pre-ITC, $10,500 after 30% credit).
Actual costs vary by installer and equipment. Consult a local solar installer for firm quotes.
Solar FAQ — Houston, Texas
In Houston, Texas, a 5 kW residential solar system produces approximately 7,242 kWh of electricity per year. A 10 kW system produces about 14,483 kWh annually. These estimates use 4.5 kWh/m²/day average solar irradiance and an 80% system performance ratio, accounting for real-world losses from wiring, inverter efficiency, and temperature. Actual output will vary based on your specific roof orientation, shading, and equipment.
Houston receives an average Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.55 kWh/m²/day. This is 0.05 kWh/m²/day above the US national average of 4.5 kWh/m²/day, placing Houston near the national average. GHI measures total solar energy incident on a horizontal surface and is the primary indicator of a location's solar resource quality.
Houston, Texas receives an average of 5.0 peak sun hours per day. Peak sun hours represent the equivalent number of hours when solar irradiance equals 1,000 W/m² — the standard condition used to rate solar panel output. This means a 1 kW solar panel array in Houston produces 5.0 kWh on a typical day. Seasonal variation is significant: summer months see peak sun hours 40–60% higher than winter months in most US locations.
Houston is a average location for solar panels, with 4.55 kWh/m²/day solar irradiance — near the national average. It ranks #5 in Texas and #17 nationally for solar potential. With an estimated payback period of 11.6 years, solar installations in Houston can be financially attractive, especially given Texas's electricity rates.
The optimal tilt angle for solar panels in Houston is approximately 30°, which corresponds to the city's latitude. This angle maximizes annual energy production by ensuring panels receive the most direct sunlight averaged over the year. For maximum winter output, tilt panels at latitude + 15° (45°). For maximum summer output, use latitude − 15° (15°). Fixed south-facing panels at the latitude angle are the standard recommendation for residential systems in Houston.
A 5 kW solar system in Houston can save an estimated $905 per year on electricity bills, based on Houston's average electricity rate of $0.125/kWh. Over a 25-year system lifetime, that represents $22,625 in total savings before accounting for electricity rate increases. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, the net system cost of approximately $10,500 for a 5 kW system yields a payback period of 11.6 years.
Houston ranks #5 in Texas for solar potential based on annual GHI. This means 4 cities have higher solar irradiance in the state. Browse other Texas cities on our Texas solar data page to compare locations.
For a typical home in Houston using 1,000 kWh/month, a 5 kW solar system producing 604 kWh/month would offset approximately 60% of a typical household's electricity use. Most residential installations in similar climates range from 5 to 12 kW depending on energy consumption, roof size, and budget. Use SolarScope's Site Studio to get a personalized system size recommendation based on your specific address and energy bills.
Based on local solar irradiance and electricity rates, a 5 kW residential solar system in Houston has an estimated payback period of 11.6 years. This calculation assumes a net system cost of $10,500 (after the 30% federal ITC) and annual savings of $905. Modern solar panels carry 25-year performance warranties, so systems in Houston would operate profitably for roughly 13 years after payback. Electricity rate increases over time typically reduce the effective payback period.
Other Cities in Texas
Learn more:
Solar irradiance ·
Peak sun hours ·
GHI explained ·
Net metering ·
How solar analysis works
Get a Detailed Solar Analysis for Houston
This page shows area-level averages. For your specific address — accounting for roof orientation, shading trees, and your utility rate — use SolarScope's AI-powered Site Studio.
Open Site Studio Community Data for TexasQuick Stats
- Annual GHI
- 4.55 kWh/m²/day
- Peak Sun Hours
- 5.0 h/day
- 5kW Production
- 7,242 kWh/yr
- Payback (5kW)
- 11.6 years
- Rank in Texas
- #5