Solar Savings in Houston, Texas

Houston homeowners on CenterPoint Energy pay an average of $168/month. At 11.5¢/kWh (Tier 1), here is what solar can realistically do for that bill.

$168
Avg Monthly Bill
$100
Est. Monthly Savings
$1,200
Est. Annual Savings
4.9 hrs/day
Peak Sun Hours

CenterPoint Energy Rates in Houston

CenterPoint Energy charges 11.5¢/kWh for the first 1000 kWh/month (Tier 1) and 13.5¢/kWh above that (Tier 2). The average Houston household uses around 1200 kWh/month, putting most usage into the higher Tier 2 bracket — where solar saves the most per kWh.

Rate trajectory

CenterPoint Energy rates have increased 20% (2014-2024). At that pace, the average Houston bill could reach $202/monthby 2036 without solar. A solar system locks in production at today's value and insulates you from future hikes.

UtilityCenterPoint Energy
Tier 1 rate11.5¢/kWh (first 1000 kWh/mo)
Tier 2 rate13.5¢/kWh (above 1000 kWh/mo)
Avg monthly bill$155
Avg monthly usage1200 kWh
Net meteringNo statewide mandate — varies by retail provider
Export creditvaries by retail electric provider
Rate increase (10yr)20% (2014-2024)

Solar Production in Houston

Houston receives 4.9 peak sun hours per day. This is the key input that determines how much electricity your panels produce. More sun hours mean more kWh generated, which translates directly to a lower bill.

10,016 kWh
Annual Production (7kW system)
835 kWh
Monthly Production
4.9 hrs/day
Peak Sun Hours

Production estimates use a 7kW system at 80% efficiency (accounting for inverter losses, shading, and temperature derating). Actual output depends on roof orientation, tilt, and shading.

Real Savings Math for Houston

At CenterPoint Energy's 11.5¢ and 13.5¢/kWh rates, the average Houston homeowner pays ~$168/month. A 7kW system producing 835 kWh/month replaces most of that grid usage — cutting the bill to around $42/month.

Current bill
$168/mo
With solar
$42/mo
Monthly savings
$100/mo

Based on a 7kW system at $3/watt. Actual savings depend on your roof, usage pattern, and CenterPoint Energy rate plan. NEM 3.0 export credits (varies by retail electric provider) apply to power sent to the grid.

System Cost and Payback in Houston

A 7kW system in Houston costs approximately $21,000 installed (at ~$3/watt, the current California market rate). With annual savings of $1,200, the estimated break-even point is 17.5 years. Systems carry 25-year manufacturer warranties, leaving 15+ years of essentially free electricity.

System size7kW (typical for this usage level)
Installed cost (~$3/W)$21,000
Est. monthly savings$100
Est. annual savings$1,200
Payback period17.5 years
25-year savings$30,000+
Peak sun hours4.9 hrs/day
Annual production10,016 kWh
UtilityCenterPoint Energy
CountyHarris

Solar Incentives for Houston Homeowners (2026)

  • ✓Net metering (NEM 3.0 in CA) — sell excess power back to your utility
  • ✓Federal Section 48E credit (commercial/PPA structures only — residential Section 25D expired Dec 31 2025)
  • ✓Texas property tax exemption — added solar value excluded from taxable home value
  • ✓Some CenterPoint retail providers offer export credits — confirm before signing

Incentive eligibility depends on your tax situation and installation timeline. Consult a licensed solar installer before making decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions — Solar in Houston

How much can Houston homeowners save on solar?
At CenterPoint Energy's current 11.5¢/kWh (Tier 1) and 13.5¢/kWh (Tier 2) rates, a typical Houston household pays around $168/month. A 7kW solar system producing roughly 835 kWh/month can reduce that bill to approximately $42/month — saving around $1,200 per year.
What is the payback period for solar in Houston?
A 7kW system in Houston costs approximately $21,000 installed (at ~$3/watt). With annual savings of $1,200, the estimated payback period is 17.5 years. Systems typically last 25-30 years, so you can expect 15+ years of free electricity after payback.
How many peak sun hours does Houston get?
Houston averages 4.9 peak sun hours per day. This means a 7kW system produces approximately 10,016 kWh per year.
What is NEM 3.0 and how does it affect Houston solar savings?
NEM 3.0 (Net Energy Metering 3.0) took effect in April 2023 for CenterPoint Energy customers. Unlike NEM 2.0, export credits are now around varies by retail electric provider instead of near-retail rates. This means self-consumption — using solar power as it is produced — is more valuable than exporting to the grid. Pairing solar with a battery shifts more production to evening hours when you would otherwise buy from the grid.
What incentives are available for solar in Houston in 2026?
In 2026, Houston homeowners can benefit from: California's property tax exclusion for solar, the SGIP battery incentive, and the California Solar Rights Act (HOAs cannot block installation). Note: the federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. The commercial Section 48E credit remains active for PPAs and business installations.

More Solar Guides for Houston

Solar Savings
Solar Savings in Houston, Texas: How Much Can You Save?
Solar Cost
Solar Panel Cost in Houston, Texas (2026 Prices)
Best Time to Go Solar
Is Now a Good Time to Go Solar in Houston, Texas?
Incentives
Solar Incentives in Houston, Texas: What You Can Claim in 2026
Payback Timeline
Solar Payback Period in Houston, Texas: When Does It Pay Off?
NEM 3.0 Impact
NEM 3.0 and Solar in Houston, Texas: What Changed?

Get a Real Quote for Houston

These numbers are based on CenterPoint Energy rates and Houston sun data. A local installer will give you exact figures based on your roof, shading, and actual usage.

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