How to Get Solar Panels in Fort Worth

Solar energy is no longer a niche alternative—it’s a mainstream, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible choice for homeowners in Fort Worth, Texas. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, the city offers ideal conditions for solar power generation. Getting solar panels installed in Fort Worth isn’t just about reducing electricity bills; it’s about increasing property value, contributing to energy independence, and supporting a cleaner future. But navigating the process—from assessing your home’s suitability to selecting installers and securing incentives—can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step required to successfully get solar panels installed in Fort Worth, offering actionable advice, insider tips, and verified resources to ensure your transition to solar is smooth, informed, and optimized for long-term savings.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Evaluate Your Home’s Solar Potential

Before investing in solar panels, determine whether your home is a good candidate. The most critical factors are roof orientation, shading, structural integrity, and available space. In Fort Worth, south-facing roofs receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day, making them optimal for solar panel efficiency. East- and west-facing roofs can also work well, though they may produce 10–20% less energy than south-facing ones. North-facing roofs are generally not recommended.

Use free online tools like Google’s Project Sunroof or the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate your home’s solar potential. Simply enter your address, and these platforms will analyze satellite imagery, local weather patterns, and roof angles to provide an estimate of annual solar production and potential savings. Look for systems that can offset at least 70–100% of your current electricity usage.

Additionally, inspect your roof’s condition. If your roof is older than 15 years or shows signs of damage, sagging, or leaks, consider replacing or repairing it before installing solar panels. Most solar installations come with 20–25 year warranties, so you don’t want to replace the roof under the panels just a few years later. A professional solar assessor can evaluate this during a site visit.

Step 2: Analyze Your Electricity Usage

To size your solar system correctly, you need to understand your household’s energy consumption. Review your past 12 months of electric bills from your provider—typically Oncor or AEP Texas. Look for your average monthly kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage. Most Fort Worth homes consume between 1,000 and 2,000 kWh per month, depending on size, insulation, and appliance use.

For example, if your home uses 1,500 kWh per month, you’ll need a system that generates approximately 18,000 kWh annually. A typical 5 kW solar system in Fort Worth produces around 7,000–8,000 kWh per year, meaning you might need a 6–8 kW system to cover your usage. Keep in mind that Texas offers net metering, so any excess energy you produce can be sent back to the grid and credited to your account, reducing future bills.

Also consider future changes. Are you planning to buy an electric vehicle? Add a pool? Install an HVAC upgrade? These will increase energy demand. Factor in a 10–20% buffer to future-proof your system.

Step 3: Research Local Incentives and Policies

Fort Worth residents benefit from some of the most favorable solar policies in Texas. While the state doesn’t offer a direct solar tax credit, federal incentives and local programs significantly reduce upfront costs.

The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to claim 30% of your total solar system cost as a credit on your federal income taxes. This applies to both equipment and installation labor. For a $20,000 system, that’s a $6,000 reduction in your tax liability. The ITC is available through 2032, with a gradual step-down after 2032.

Fort Worth has no local property tax on solar installations, meaning your home’s assessed value won’t increase due to the panels—even though they add market value. This is a major advantage compared to states that levy property taxes on renewable energy upgrades.

Additionally, Oncor and other Texas utilities offer net metering. When your panels generate more electricity than you use, the excess flows back to the grid, and you receive credits on your bill. These credits roll over month to month and can offset usage during cloudy days or winter months. Texas law requires utilities to offer net metering to residential solar customers.

Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for the most up-to-date local programs. Some Fort Worth neighborhoods or community organizations may offer rebates or financing assistance for low-to-moderate income households.

Step 4: Obtain Multiple Quotes from Reputable Installers

Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Solar installation prices in Fort Worth vary widely based on installer experience, equipment quality, and warranty terms. Request at least three detailed proposals from licensed, insured, and locally based companies.

Look for installers certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). These professionals have passed rigorous exams and adhere to industry best practices. Ask for references and review online testimonials on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Pay attention to how long the company has been operating in the Fort Worth area—local experience matters when dealing with city permitting and utility interconnection processes.

Each quote should include:

• System size (in kW)
• Panel and inverter brands and models
• Estimated annual production (kWh)
• Total cost before and after incentives
• Warranty details (product, workmanship, performance)
• Payment options (cash, loan, lease, PPA)
• Timeline for installation and permitting

Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others—they may use inferior components or skip important steps like structural engineering reviews or permit applications. A reputable installer will explain the technology clearly and answer all your questions without pressure.

Step 5: Choose the Right Equipment

Solar panels and inverters are the backbone of your system. Not all equipment is created equal. Top-tier panels from manufacturers like SunPower, LG, Panasonic, and REC offer higher efficiency (20%+), better durability, and longer warranties. These are ideal if you have limited roof space or want maximum output per square foot.

For budget-conscious homeowners, brands like Canadian Solar, Qcells, and Trina Solar provide excellent value with 20–22 year warranties and 85–90% performance guarantees after 25 years.

Inverters convert the DC electricity from your panels into usable AC power for your home. String inverters are cost-effective for simple roofs, while microinverters (made by Enphase or Apple) or power optimizers (like those from SolarEdge) offer better performance in shaded conditions and allow panel-level monitoring. In Fort Worth, where occasional tree cover or nearby structures may cause shading, microinverters are often the smarter long-term investment.

Also consider battery storage. While not required, adding a Tesla Powerwall or LG Chem RESU battery allows you to store excess energy for use during power outages—a growing concern in Texas due to extreme weather events. Battery systems qualify for the federal ITC, making them more affordable than ever.

Step 6: Secure Permits and Approvals

Fort Worth requires permits for all solar installations. Your installer typically handles this, but it’s important to understand the process. Two main permits are needed: a building permit from the City of Fort Worth Development Services Department and an electrical permit.

The application requires detailed plans showing panel placement, electrical diagrams, structural load calculations, and equipment specifications. Most reputable installers submit these electronically through the city’s online portal. Processing time is typically 5–10 business days, though it can extend during peak seasons.

After installation, a city inspector will visit to verify code compliance. Once approved, your installer will schedule a final inspection with Oncor or your utility provider to activate net metering and connect your system to the grid. This step is crucial—your panels won’t generate credits until the utility approves the interconnection.

Some neighborhoods in Fort Worth are governed by homeowners associations (HOAs). Texas law (House Bill 362) prohibits HOAs from banning solar installations, but they may impose reasonable aesthetic restrictions. Your installer should help you submit any required HOA documentation to ensure compliance without delay.

Step 7: Installation and Activation

Once permits are approved, installation typically takes one to three days, depending on system size. The process includes:

• Installing mounting racks on your roof
• Securing solar panels to the racks
• Running conduit and wiring from the panels to the inverter
• Installing the inverter (usually near your main electrical panel)
• Connecting the system to your home’s electrical circuit
• Installing a bi-directional meter (if not already in place)

During installation, your installer will shut off your main power for a few hours to safely integrate the system. You’ll be without electricity during this window, so plan accordingly.

After installation, your installer will conduct a final system check and demonstrate how to monitor energy production via a mobile app or web portal. They’ll also provide documentation for warranty registration and utility interconnection.

Within 1–4 weeks, Oncor will install or upgrade your meter to enable net metering. You’ll receive a notification once your system is active and producing credits. Your first bill after activation should reflect reduced or even zero charges, depending on your production and usage.

Step 8: Monitor Performance and Maintain Your System

Modern solar systems require minimal maintenance, but monitoring is essential. Most inverters come with apps that show real-time energy production, daily yields, and system health. Check your app weekly to ensure consistent output.

In Fort Worth, occasional dust, pollen, or bird droppings can reduce efficiency slightly. Rain typically cleans panels naturally, but if you notice a significant drop in production (more than 15%), consider a gentle rinse with a garden hose—never use high-pressure washers or abrasive materials.

Annual inspections by your installer are recommended to check wiring, mounting hardware, and inverter function. Most systems operate without issue for 25+ years, but proactive maintenance extends lifespan and ensures warranty validity.

Keep records of all documentation: permits, warranties, inspection reports, and utility correspondence. These are critical if you sell your home or need to file a claim.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Quality Over Price

The cheapest solar quote isn’t always the best deal. Lower-priced systems may use outdated panels with poor warranties, inferior inverters that fail prematurely, or unlicensed labor that voids insurance. A well-installed, high-efficiency system may cost 10–15% more upfront but can produce 20–30% more energy over its lifetime, paying for itself faster and delivering greater long-term savings.

2. Avoid Leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

While leases and PPAs require no upfront cost, they come with significant drawbacks. You don’t own the system, so you can’t claim the federal tax credit. You’re locked into long-term contracts (20–25 years) with escalating payments. If you sell your home, the new owner must assume the agreement—or you may have to buy out the contract, which can complicate the sale. Cash purchases or solar loans provide full ownership and maximum financial benefit.

3. Time Your Installation Strategically

Spring and early summer are ideal times to install solar in Fort Worth. Weather is favorable, installers are less busy, and you’ll start producing energy before peak summer cooling demands. Avoid scheduling during extreme heatwaves or holidays, as delays are common.

4. Understand Your Utility’s Net Metering Rules

While Texas law mandates net metering, utility policies can vary slightly. Oncor credits excess generation at the full retail rate, which is among the most favorable in the state. Confirm your utility’s current policy and ask whether credits expire annually or roll over indefinitely. In Fort Worth, rollover is standard, meaning unused credits carry forward month to month.

5. Prepare for Home Value Appreciation

Studies by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory show homes with solar panels sell for 3–4% more than comparable non-solar homes. In Fort Worth’s competitive housing market, this can mean tens of thousands in added value. If you plan to sell in the future, ensure your system is professionally documented and that all warranties are transferable.

6. Consider Future-Proofing

As electric vehicles become more common, your energy needs will rise. Install a system that can accommodate future expansion. Many inverters support additional panels, so choose one with spare capacity. Also, consider installing conduit pathways during initial installation to make adding batteries or panels easier later.

7. Stay Informed About Policy Changes

Texas energy regulations evolve. Subscribe to updates from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) or local solar advocacy groups like Solar United Neighbors of Texas. Changes in net metering rules, interconnection fees, or incentive programs can impact your savings—being informed helps you adapt quickly.

Tools and Resources

1. Project Sunroof (Google)

Free, easy-to-use tool that uses satellite imagery and weather data to estimate solar potential, savings, and payback period for any Fort Worth address. Includes financing options and local installer recommendations.

2. PVWatts Calculator (NREL)

A highly accurate, government-backed tool that models solar energy production based on location, tilt, orientation, and system size. Ideal for comparing different system configurations.

3. DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency)

The most comprehensive source for federal, state, and local solar incentives. Filter by Texas and Fort Worth to find all applicable rebates, tax exemptions, and programs.

4. NABCEP Directory

Search for certified solar professionals in the Fort Worth metro area. NABCEP certification is the gold standard for installer competency.

5. Fort Worth Development Services Department

Official city portal for permit applications, inspection scheduling, and building code requirements. Use the online portal to track your solar permit status in real time.

6. Oncor Energy Billing Portal

Monitor your net metering credits, usage history, and billing adjustments after your system goes live. Set up alerts for bill changes or credit accumulations.

7. Solar United Neighbors of Texas

A nonprofit advocacy group offering free solar education workshops, group buying programs, and installer vetting. Their community solar programs can help residents in apartments or shaded homes access solar benefits.

8. EnergySage Marketplace

An online platform that connects homeowners with pre-vetted solar installers. Receive multiple quotes in one place, compare equipment options side-by-side, and read verified customer reviews.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Martinez Family – Single-Family Home in North Fort Worth

The Martinez family, living in a 2,200-square-foot home in North Fort Worth, used an average of 1,800 kWh per month. After using Project Sunroof, they determined a 7.5 kW system would cover 95% of their usage. They obtained three quotes and selected a NABCEP-certified installer offering SunPower panels and Enphase microinverters.

Total system cost: $22,500. After the 30% federal tax credit: $15,750. They financed the system with a 15-year solar loan at 4.9% interest, resulting in a monthly payment of $122—less than their previous electric bill of $165. Within 14 months, their system produced more energy than they consumed, earning them $180 in net credits. Their home’s appraisal value increased by $8,200 after installation.

Example 2: The Johnsons – Dual-Income Household in South Fort Worth

The Johnsons installed a 6 kW system with a Tesla Powerwall after experiencing multiple outages during winter storms. Their system included high-efficiency Qcells panels and a SolarEdge inverter. They paid cash upfront, saving $18,000 after the federal credit.

Monthly savings: $190. With battery backup, they avoided $300 in generator fuel and food spoilage costs during a 2023 blackout. Their system produced 8,200 kWh in its first year—exceeding projections. They now monitor production via their smartphone and share real-time data with their children to teach energy conservation.

Example 3: The Lee Family – Apartment Dweller Accessing Community Solar

Unable to install panels on their apartment roof, the Lees joined a community solar project in Fort Worth’s East Side through Solar United Neighbors. They subscribed to a share of a 500 kW solar farm located nearby. Their monthly bill credits dropped by 60%, saving them $45 per month with no installation or maintenance costs.

This model is ideal for renters, condo owners, or homes with shaded roofs. Community solar is expanding rapidly in North Texas, and new projects are approved quarterly.

FAQs

Do I need to own my home to get solar panels in Fort Worth?

You must own your home or have the landlord’s permission to install rooftop panels. However, renters and apartment dwellers can participate in community solar programs, which offer bill credits without physical installation.

How long does the entire process take from quote to activation?

On average, the process takes 6–10 weeks. This includes quote evaluation (1–2 weeks), permitting (1–2 weeks), installation (1–3 days), and utility interconnection (2–4 weeks). Delays can occur during peak seasons or if inspections are not scheduled promptly.

Will solar panels damage my roof?

No—when installed correctly by licensed professionals, solar panels protect your roof from UV rays, rain, and debris. Mounting systems are designed to distribute weight evenly and include waterproofing seals. Most installers offer workmanship warranties that cover any roof-related damage.

Can I install solar panels myself in Fort Worth?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. DIY installations must still pass city inspections and utility interconnection requirements. Most homeowners lack the electrical licensing and engineering knowledge required. Additionally, DIY systems typically don’t qualify for the federal tax credit unless installed by a certified professional.

What happens if I move?

If you own your system, you can either take it with you (rarely cost-effective) or leave it in place. Homes with solar panels sell faster and at higher prices. The new owner inherits the system and its benefits, including net metering credits and remaining warranty coverage.

Do solar panels work on cloudy or rainy days?

Yes. Modern panels generate electricity even under diffuse light. Fort Worth averages 70–80% of potential solar production on overcast days. Net metering ensures you still benefit from excess production on sunny days to offset lower output during cloudy periods.

Are there any hidden fees with solar in Fort Worth?

Reputable installers disclose all costs upfront. Be cautious of “free solar” ads that may charge for monitoring, maintenance, or increased rates after a promotional period. Always read contracts carefully. Fort Worth does not charge impact fees or connection fees for residential solar systems.

How much can I save over 20 years?

Most Fort Worth homeowners save between $20,000 and $40,000 over two decades, depending on system size, electricity rates, and usage patterns. With rising utility rates (Texas averaged 12.5% increases from 2020–2023), solar locks in energy costs and provides predictable savings.

Can I get solar if I have an HOA?

Yes. Texas law prohibits HOAs from banning solar installations. HOAs may require panels to be installed in less visible areas (e.g., rear roof slope), but they cannot deny permission. Your installer can help you submit the necessary documentation to comply with HOA guidelines.

What if my system stops working?

Your installer provides a 10–25 year workmanship warranty. Equipment manufacturers offer 20–25 year product warranties. If your system underperforms or fails, contact your installer immediately. Most issues are resolved quickly under warranty.

Conclusion

Getting solar panels in Fort Worth is one of the smartest financial and environmental decisions a homeowner can make. With abundant sunshine, favorable policies, strong incentives, and a growing network of trusted local installers, the path to solar is clearer than ever. By following this step-by-step guide—from evaluating your home’s potential to selecting the right equipment and navigating permits—you position yourself to unlock decades of energy savings, increased property value, and energy resilience.

Solar isn’t just about technology—it’s about empowerment. It’s about taking control of your energy costs, reducing your carbon footprint, and contributing to a more sustainable community. Whether you’re motivated by savings, sustainability, or security, the time to act is now. The sun is shining in Fort Worth. All you need to do is turn it into power.