Best Solar Companies in Texas (2024)
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The Texas heat can be sweltering, but all that sunshine means it’s a perfect place to generate clean energy. The Lone Star State has many solar energy companies to choose from, and we’ve simplified the shopping process by reviewing the top solar companies in the United States. We interviewed industry experts, surveyed hundreds of homeowners, and closely analyzed product specifications and warranties. This guide breaks down the best solar companies in Texas based on our findings.
Compare Solar Companies in Texas
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The Top Solar Installation Companies
These are the best solar installers in the Lone Star State:
- Blue Raven Solar: Best In-House Financing
- Momentum Solar: Best for Guided Services
- Sunrun: Best for Home Builders
- Tesla Solar: Most Aesthetic
SunPower
- Warranty options: 25-year system and labor warranty
- Panel options: Monocrystalline (Maxeon)
- Payment options: Full purchase, solar loan, or solar lease
Upsides: Founded in 1985, SunPower is one of the oldest solar energy companies and has the most experience of any installer in Texas. The company offers an above-average combination system-and-labor warranty. It also provides innovative technology and convenience through its SunPower Design Studio, which lets you see how SunPower customizes solar systems for your home.
SunPower partners with Maxeon Solar Technologies, a formerly in-house manufacturing company, to produce its panels. This partnership allows SunPower to design and fully integrate all system components so that they work optimally together.
Downsides: SunPower has some of the highest pricing of the companies on this list. It also has limited customization, since it only uses SunPower products only. Finally, it doesn’t offer PPAs for financing.
Read more: SunPower Solar Review
Blue Raven Solar
- Warranty options: 25-year manufacturer warranty
- Panel options: Monocrystalline (various manufacturers)
- Payment options: Full purchase or solar loan
Upsides: Blue Raven Solar understands that solar energy is a long-term investment. Many other solar installation companies partner with a lending institution for financing, but Blue Raven offers in-house financing through its BluePower Plus program. Through this program, Blue Raven provides 18 months of free service with no money down for eligible customers.
Blue Raven has a slick, user-friendly website. You can speak directly to an expert or calculate your projected energy savings. There are also various supplementary materials to help you learn more about renewable energy.
Downsides: Blue Raven has limited financing options, as it doesn’t offer solar leases or PPAs. The company also has mixed customer reviews, with some homeowners claiming they experienced aggressive sales tactics.
Palmetto Solar
- Warranty options: 25-year manufacturer warranty
- Panel options: Monocrystalline (Q Cells)
- Payment options: Full purchase, solar loan, solar lease, or PPA
Upsides: Palmetto Solar provides high-quality Q Cells monocrystalline solar panels with 25-year manufacturer warranties. It offers an optional Palmetto Peace of Mind Plan for $12 per month, which includes system monitoring and discounts on various services such as panel cleaning.
For additional convenience, the company supplies The Palmetto App for smartphones. This lets you track your system’s performance, set spending goals, and enjoy one-click customer support.
Downsides: Though Palmetto’s Peace of Mind plan has more comprehensive protection than other providers, it’s unfortunate that it has an additional monthly charge. The company also offers limited information regarding its financing and purchasing options online.
Momentum Solar
- Warranty options: 25-year workmanship and equipment warranty
- Panel options: Monocrystalline (various manufacturers)
- Payment options: Full purchase, solar loan, solar lease, or power purchase agreement (PPA)
Upsides: Momentum Solar limits its availability to states with well-established net-metering programs. These programs allow your local utility company to track surplus energy generated by your solar panels and subtract that amount from your electric bill, saving you more money. The company’s limited availability also allows it to focus on service and quality more than solar installation companies with broader availability.
Momentum provides high-quality solar panels from various manufacturers. It offers long warranties, including a 25-year workmanship and equipment warranty. For convenience, Momentum conducts virtual consultations via Zoom.
Downsides: Customers have reported experiencing spam calling and other aggressive sales tactics. In addition, the company only offers a five-day cancellation period before its 25-year contract begins.
Read more: Momentum Solar Review
Sunrun
- Warranty options: 25-year workmanship and product warranty
- Panel options: Monocrystalline (various manufacturers)
- Payment options: Full purchase, solar loan, or solar lease
Upsides: Sunrun is a great option if you’re building a new home in Texas or installing a new roof on your existing home. The company’s BuilderChoice New Homes Program is designed for code compliance and offers perks for commercial and residential home builders. It also has a dedicated team to handle the complicated paperwork required for interconnection, and will work with your roofers to subcontract labor and activate your system before permission to operate (PTO).
Sunrun offers a service package with an additional “bumper-to-bumper” warranty that provides free equipment replacement and repairs for 10 years, plus system monitoring and a comprehensive insurance policy on your panels.
Downsides: Sunrun’s solar battery availability varies by location, so you may or may not be able to install one. In addition, the company doesn’t provide detailed information about its products online.
Tesla Solar
- Warranty options: 25-year performance guarantee
- Panel options: Monocrystalline (Hanwha)
- Payment options: Full purchase or solar loan
Upsides: Tesla has become one of the biggest names in the solar industry over the last few years—specifically in Texas, as it relocated its headquarters near Austin in 2021. The company’s unique products have earned it a reputation for innovation, namely regarding its solar roofs. These roofs are composed of solar shingles that act as solar panels but mimic the appearance of roof shingles. This low-profile option preserves your home’s curb appeal rather than creating a distracting mounting system on your roof.
Tesla is also known for its solar battery, the Tesla Powerwall+. This device stores excess energy generated by your solar panel system for use during glow sunlight hours or power outages.
Downsides: Tesla has mixed customer service reviews. Most negative reviews mention difficulty getting someone on the phone and frustrating communication. The company also sells solar panels in standardized sizes, limiting your customization options.
Read more: Tesla Solar Panels Review
Factors That Affect Solar Installation Costs in Texas
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) estimates that a typical 6-kilowatt (kW) solar system costs around $18,000 before applying federal tax credits or local incentives.* Below are some other factors that can impact the cost of your solar power system.
- Solar panel type: Different types of solar panels have different prices and power outputs. For example, monocrystalline solar panels cost an average of $1 to $1.50 per watt, so a standard 6 kW system will cost $6,000 to $9,000. Polycrystalline solar panels are more cost-efficient at an average of $0.90 to $1 per watt, or $5,400 to $6,000 total.
- Labor: Labor to install your system costs about 100% to 200% times the cost of the solar panel system itself. For example, if you purchase a 6 kW monocrystalline solar panel system for $9,000, a solar installation company will likely charge $18,000 to $27,000 for the system and installation.
- Additional equipment: Texas has a history of power grid problems, so you’ll likely want a solar battery to store energy. You’ll also need an inverter to convert your solar panels’ direct current (DC) output into alternating current (AC) for use in your home. Most solar companies include inverters in your solar system’s design, but name-brand batteries and inverters typically cost more.
- Payment option: The payment option you choose influences the total cost you’ll pay for your system over time. Purchasing the system up-front is the most cost-effective, as you’ll get access to money-saving tax incentives and avoid paying interest rates. You can also opt for a solar loan if you’d prefer to pay in gradual installments, though this will increase your total investment. Finally, you can enter into a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), but you won’t own the system and can’t take advantage of solar incentives.
*Based on a May 2019 report.
Solar Tax Incentives in Texas
Below are some of the solar incentives and rebates available in Texas to reduce your up-front investment.
- Texas net-metering programs: Texas is a top state for solar energy and offers many net-metering and solar buyback programs. Both of these programs provide credits for excess energy your system generates. However, they don’t have universal regulations. For example, a program in Dallas has different terms than a program in El Paso. Some buyback plans impose a cap on your earned credits each month, while others allow unlimited earnings. It’s essential to review and understand each program’s terms before entering. Here are Texas’ top net-metering programs:
- American Electric Power (AEP)
- CoServ Electric Cooperative
- Green Mountain Energy
- TXU Energy
- Texas state tax exemption: Installing a solar panel system can increase your property value. This comes with added property taxes you must pay to the state at tax time. However, the Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption protects Texas residents from paying these additional property taxes.
- Texas solar rebates: Texas offers many rebate programs. Many one-time rebates are available through utility companies and city and local governments. Below are some of the top solar rebates in Texas
- Austin Energy Rebate
- CPS Energy Rebate
- City of Denton
- City of San Marcos
- City Sunset Valley
What To Expect From Your Solar Installation Inspection
Each solar installation requires a home inspection, which helps the installer know what rigging system is required and what kind of panels, inverters, energy storage systems, and other vital components you need. The purpose of this inspection is to ensure all the details are correct for your home’s solar panels to work for the next 25 to 30 years.
Tyler Adams, Astrawatt Solar’s director of marketing, recommends reaching out to your local government to vet an installer before having them come to your home. “[They] can tell you if a solar installer is licensed and is in good standing with the local government,” he says. Adams also recommends contacting your local utility company about going solar, as many of them will provide a list of questions to ask an installer. “Any good solar installer will be able to answer those questions and can use those as a guide for what to expect as you convert your home to using solar energy.”
Solar installation inspections typically follow these steps:
- Roof inspection: The installation team measures your roof to check the needed fit and dimensions for your solar system. They identify existing roof obstructions and discuss modifications to the proposed layout based on these findings. Roof damage, including broken tiles and worn shingles, is photographed.
- Attic inspection: A solar installer checks your attic for accessibility and reviews the truss layout or the assembly of beams that comprises your roof.
- Electrical inspection: The solar company evaluates your home’s current electrical system and creates a utility interconnection plan. It also notes the locations of electrical conduits and disconnecting means, such as outlets.
- Internet inspection: An installer may ask about your internet access to determine if they should install performance monitoring hardware.
Our Recommendation
Texas is an excellent place to switch to solar energy. The state has plenty of sunlight, numerous solar incentives, and reputable solar panel companies. Compare quotes from at least three solar companies to determine the right fit for your home. Momentum Solar offers comprehensive services integrated with established net-metering programs, plus high-quality solar systems and a comprehensive warranty. SunPower offers high-efficiency systems and decades of experience, and Blue Raven Solar has a unique in-house financing program.
Solar Companies in Texas FAQ
Does solar increase home value in Texas?
Yes, adding solar panels to your home will increase your home’s value. A 2019 Zillow report found that homes with solar panels sold for about 4.1% more than homes without panels.
Do solar panels increase homeowners insurance?
A report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) states that most solar systems should be covered as part of a standard homeowners insurance policy. However, we recommend contacting your insurance provider before installing your system to find out how the change may influence your coverage.
Can solar panels get struck by lightning?
Yes, solar panels can get struck by lightning, especially in a region as open as Texas. Lightning strikes, both direct and indirect, can cause a dip in performance and further expenses in identifying and replacing damaged parts.
What is the process to get my system permitted?
The process to permit your system varies by location, as local municipalities handle it differently. However, you shouldn’t need to file for local permits unless you complete a do-it-yourself (DIY) installation. If you hire a professional installation team, your solar company should handle all the permitting. Tyler Tucker, Astrawatt Solar’s chief development officer, says 60 days is a pretty good average from the contract signing to installation. However, he adds that this process may take longer if your solar installation requires homeowners association (HOA) approval.
How We Chose the Top Solar Companies
We researched and analyzed dozens of solar panels and solar installation companies. We then formulated a rating system based on each solar installer or manufacturer’s services and products. We weighed several significant factors, including the quality and type of solar panels offered, the customer support network, warranty lengths and limitations, and additional benefits such as mobile apps for monitoring and customer service.
Speaking directly to representatives, we determined how each solar company personalizes its solar panel installation for each home. We also analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and performance guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
We evaluated each provider based on their rating and history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to determine reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.
Read more: Our Methodology
