Solar in Irving
Irving is strategically located between Dallas and Fort Worth, making it part of one of Texas's most active solar markets. With good sunshine, rising electricity costs, and Texas's deregulated market, Irving homeowners have excellent options for going solar.
Why Irving is Good for Solar
- Strong sunshine: 5.5 peak sun hours daily
- DFW market: Competitive pricing, many installers
- Deregulated electricity: Choose your provider and buyback plan
- Property tax exemption: 100% of solar value excluded
- Central location: Easy access to top DFW installers
Irving Solar Costs
Average System Costs
| System Size | Gross Cost | After Incentives* |
|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $14,400-18,000 | $14,400-18,000 |
| 8 kW | $19,200-24,000 | $19,200-24,000 |
| 10 kW | $24,000-30,000 | $24,000-30,000 |
*Federal 25D credit ended Dec 31, 2025. PPA/Lease options still benefit from 30% through 2027.
Cost Per Watt
- Irving average: $2.40-3.00 per watt
- Budget installs: $2.20-2.40 per watt
- Premium installs: $3.00-3.50 per watt
Payback Period
At $0.12/kWh average electricity rates, Irving homeowners typically see 10-14 year payback periods. Those who choose retail electric providers with strong solar buyback rates can achieve faster returns.
Oncor Service Area
Irving is served by Oncor, the largest electric distribution utility in Texas. Like other DFW cities, Oncor handles the physical delivery of electricity while you choose your retail electric provider (REP).
How Irving Solar Works
- Oncor: Delivers power, handles interconnection, installs net meter
- REP: Retail Electric Provider you choose for billing
- Key decision: Select REP with favorable solar buyback rates
- No state net metering: Buyback policies vary by REP
REP Solar Buyback Options
| Policy Type | How It Works | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1:1 Buyback | Full retail credit for exports | Best value |
| Wholesale Buyback | Market rate credit (~3-5 cents) | Moderate |
| No Buyback | Excess goes to grid unpaid | Self-use only |
Texas Incentives
Available Incentives
- Property tax exemption: 100% of solar value excluded from property taxes
- No sales tax: Solar equipment purchases exempt
- REP buyback: Varies by provider—shop carefully
- No state tax credit: Texas has no income tax
Federal Options
- Purchased systems: No federal credit (25D ended 2025)
- PPA/Lease: Still benefits from 30% credit through 2027
- Consideration: PPA may offer better value now
Irving Considerations
Climate Factors
- Hail risk: DFW is in Hail Alley—choose durable panels
- Summer heat: 100°F+ days reduce efficiency slightly
- Severe storms: Proper installation handles Texas weather
- Winter ice: Occasional ice storms, but panels handle well
Irving-Specific Factors
- HOAs: Texas law protects solar rights, but follow guidelines
- Suburban homes: Most Irving homes have good roof space
- New developments: Easy to plan solar into new construction
- Airport proximity: No impact on solar installations
Production Estimates
- Annual production: 1,450-1,550 kWh per kW installed
- 8 kW system: ~11,600-12,400 kWh/year
- Best months: April-June, September-October
- Summer note: Heat reduces efficiency slightly
The Bottom Line
Irving offers excellent solar potential as part of the DFW metro. Strong sunshine, competitive installer pricing, and Texas's property tax exemption make solar a smart investment for many Irving homeowners.
Key points:
- Choose a retail electric provider with good solar buyback rates
- Consider hail-resistant panels for DFW weather
- Property tax exemption protects your home value increase
- Expect 10-14 year payback depending on REP choice
- PPA/Lease options may be attractive without federal purchase credit
Questions About Solar in Irving?
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