Solar Calculators for Dallas, Texas

Free tools with illustrative Dallas planning inputs. Replace energy rates and installation costs with your bill and written quote.

Quick answer

Start with your exact utility account and roof design. The 5.4 sun hours and 12.0 cents/kWh below are planning assumptions, not verified current rates for Dallas. Confirm Oncor / Reliant eligibility and export settlement.

Notes updated 2026-07-26

Best for: Dallas homeowners comparing a proposal or estimating savings before calling installers.
Inputs needed: 12-month kWh usage, roof shade, Oncor / Reliant, quoted $/W
Formula used: Local production = system kW × local peak sun hours × 365, then adjusted for losses.
Method references: NREL PVWatts, Oncor / Reliant, Texas incentive rules

Peak sun hours

5.4

hrs/day planning assumption

Illustrative energy rate

12.0¢

per kWh (Oncor / Reliant)

Typical install cost

$2.6/W

planning assumption, not a market median

Net metering policy: Avoided-cost credit only

What Dallas homeowners should check

Dallas roofs see strong solar resources along with hail, high summer temperatures, and severe thunderstorms. Ask how the proposal handles wind loading, module impact ratings, roof penetrations, and future panel removal for roof repairs.

Oncor manages much of the local distribution network, while competitive retail providers offer different solar buyback plans. Verify both interconnection requirements and the retail plan before relying on an export-credit assumption.

At the state level, Texas currently uses no statewide net metering law. A typical interconnection takes 2–8 weeks depending on utility, but utility review and local permitting can extend that range. Check current rules before relying on a proposal's export-credit or installation-date assumptions.

What should I verify before signing a solar contract in Dallas?

Confirm that the quote names your actual utility, uses a recent electricity rate, includes measured shade and roof-condition findings, and explains who handles permits and interconnection. Ask the installer to separate guaranteed equipment and workmanship terms from estimated production, incentives, and savings.

Illustrative 8 kW system in Dallas

Annual production

13,548 kWh

Retail-value ceiling

$1,626

System cost (est.)

$20,800

Energy-only cost/value ratio

~13 yrs

Illustrative 5.4 peak sun hours, 14.08% production losses, 12.0 cents/kWh and $2.6/W. The retail-value ceiling assumes every kWh earns retail value; lower export credits reduce it. The cost/value ratio is not a full payback model and excludes repairs, financing and rate changes. No new Section 25D homeowner credit in 2026.