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Top 5 Best Solar Companies in Texas (2024 Reviews)

Top 5 Best Solar Companies in Texas (2024 Reviews)

In this guide on the Texas solar panel installation companies you’ll learn:

  • How to pick the best Texas solar company for your home’s needs
  • Tips on saving money when choosing a Texas solar company
  • How to avoid getting scammed when going solar in Texas
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Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.”

Texas is the second most popular place to go solar in the U.S., mostly because of the abundant sunlight and the above-average energy bills in the area. Choosing a solar installer is arguably the most important part of the conversion process to get right, but with over 250 solar contractors to choose from, that decision can be a difficult one.

In this guide, we’ll share what we believe are the best solar companies in Texas, from national installers to smaller, local providers. We’ll explain what we love about each and give some insight into what we think you should prioritize when hiring a company to handle your solar project.

What Are the Best Solar Companies in Texas?

We’ve spent hours researching and reviewing the best solar companies in Texas so that you don’t have to. Below are the companies that we believe will give you the best experience and bang for your buck.

Compare Texas’ Top-Rated Solar Providers

All of the companies we’re reviewing in this guide are trustworthy and have years of experience completing solar projects just like yours.

The table below includes a quick look at how these installers compare. We’ll go into greater detail on each company in the following sections.

Solar Providers Superlative Our Score Avg Cost ($–$$$$$) Warranty Financing Options Get Quote
Blue Raven Solar Best Financing Options 4.5/5 $$ 25 years for equipment and performance; 10 years for workmanship Cash and solar loans Get Quote
Momentum Solar Best Regional Provider 4.5/5 $$$ 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA Get Quote
Freedom Solar Power Best Customer Service 4/5 $$$$ 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production Cash purchase or solar loan Get Quote
Solartime USA Best Local Installer 4.5/5 $$$ 25 years for equipment and production Cash purchase, solar loan, solar lease, PPA Get Quote
Longhorn Solar Best Local Expertise 4.5/5 $$$$ 25 years for equipment, production and workmanship Cash purchase or solar loan Get Quote
Badge icon

Blue Raven Solar

Best Solar Financing

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Read full review now

Pros

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation

Cons

  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Badge icon

Blue Raven Solar

Best Solar Financing

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Read full review now

Pros

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation

Cons

  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Badge icon

Momentum Solar

Best Regional Coverage

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Read full review now

Pros

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Representatives are experts on local policies

Cons

  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • Only available in 11 states
Badge icon

Freedom Solar Power

Solar Veteran

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Outstanding customer service
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs
Badge icon

Solartime USA

Outstanding Local Installer

Local Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Representatives are experts on local policies

Cons

  • Limited service area
  • Slightly limited solar equipment brands
Badge icon

Longhorn Solar

Solar Veteran

Local Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Award-winning company
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Outstanding customer service

Cons

  • No leases or PPAs
  • Expensive
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Watch Below: How Much Should You Expect to Pay for Solar in Texas?

How Can You Save Money On Texas’s Best Solar Companies?

At only $3.18 per watt, the cost to go solar in Texas is below the national average. More savings can be applied after the 30% federal solar tax credit, which can take the cost of the average 11.5 kW system down from $36,570 to $25,599.

Even though the federal solar tax credit takes the edge off the sticker shock, the total cost of a solar system can still seem steep. There are more ways to save money when installing your solar system, including:

  • Texas solar incentives and tax credits
  • Type of solar panel
  • System size

Utilize Texas Solar Incentives and Tax Credits

Even though Texas does not have any state-wide solar rebate programs, homeowners will qualify for the federal solar tax credit, local net metering programs, rebate programs and other local incentives. Residents should talk to their solar installer to make sure they benefit from all these money-saving incentives in Texas.

Texas Solar Incentive Program Overview
Local Rebate Programs Texas has no state-wide solar rebate program, but it does have several local programs run by utility companies, such as Austin Energy and CPS Energy.
Texas Net Metering Texas net metering will allow homeowners to flow excess solar energy to the energy grid and receive a credit for future electricity bills. Only some suppliers offer this perk, as it’s not mandated statewide.
Federal Investment Tax Credit The federal solar investment tax credit will repay homeowners 30% of the total cost of their solar system.
Tax Exemption and Tax Abatement Even though your home’s value will increase, you will not have to pay sales or property tax on your solar equipment.

Consider Type of Solar Panel

The type of solar panel you choose can also impact the overall price of your solar system. Some states need more powerful solar panels because they don’t have access to abundant sunshine, but Texas is positioned perfectly for solar power.

Instead of purchasing the most expensive and efficient solar panels available, Texans can opt for the more affordable solar panels. This choice will drastically lower the cost of your solar system.

Evaluate Your System Size

It may seem intuitive, but the size of your solar system should reflect your energy goals. If you plan to rely completely on solar power, then you’ll want a system big enough to offset your energy costs. But if you want only partial solar power, then you’ll need a smaller size.

Your solar installer will help you determine which size you need, but you should take the necessary steps to figure out how much energy you consume each month so that you don’t invest in a system that’s too large.

Will Solar Increase Your Home Value In Texas?

On average, solar panel installation increases the value of a home by about 4.1%. Given that the average value of a home in Texas as of 2022 is $296,127, Texas homeowners can add as much as $12,141 to their home’s value.

Not only will your home’s value increase, but the addition of solar panels is often seen as a buying point for potential buyers. A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that solar homes sell up to 20% faster than comparable non-solar homes[1], which makes the addition of solar panels boost home value in more ways than one.

DIY vs Professional Solar Installation in Texas

DIY solar panel installation has become increasingly popular among homeowners in the United States because it can be much cheaper than professionally installed panels. Although DIY installation can still result in energy savings, it’s not always suitable for all projects, especially for large-scale home installations.

As you weigh your pros and cons for professional installation and DIY, make sure you consider the following in your decision:

  • Sourcing equipment
  • Time of installation
  • Permit applications and permission to operate

You’ll Have to Source Equipment

The installation of solar panels requires more than just the panels themselves — you’ll need an arsenal of tools and equipment, including but not limited to:

  • Digital multimeter
  • Battery operated drill
  • Hack saw
  • Pry bar
  • Caulk gun
  • Conduit blender
  • Screwdrivers
  • Wire stripper
  • Wire cutter
  • Tape measure
  • Solar panel hanger

If you have all of these tools on hand, then you’re at least in a good position to start solar installation. But if you need to purchase each of these items, it can add cost and inconvenience to your DIY installation.

Quicker Installation for Professional Install

If you are the sole person responsible for the installation of your solar system, then it may take you a long time to install all the panels necessary to power your entire home. By hiring a professional installation company, you will ensure that your project is installed quickly and correctly.

Permit Applications and Permission to Operate

Unlike smaller home solar projects such as solar lights and solar water pumps, large solar projects require permits, licenses and permission to operate from your city. You can absolutely apply for these permits by yourself, but professional solar companies are pros at making sure your solar system is up to code and passes inspections.

What Should Texas Residents Look for In a Solar Installer?

best solar companies in texas have reliable installers

There are many quality solar installers in Texas, but the final decision to choose one company over another can be tricky. As you browse through top providers in the solar industry, always make sure your company has the following:

  • Local reputation and reviews
  • Solar pricing and financing
  • Services offered
  • Warranty coverage
  • Company experience
  • Brand quality

Local Reputation and Reviews

A company’s reputation can say a lot about the quality of service and workmanship. To assess whether a company is high quality, we take into account its Better Business Bureau Rating (BBB), certifications and affiliations with industry-leading associations, such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

A company’s quality is only as good as its sustainability and ethical procedures. From manufacturing ethics to ESG reports, Texas residents should review all available information about a company to ensure they invest in sustainably-sourced products and services.

Solar Pricing and Financing

Clean energy isn’t free, so solar financing options are key to installing your home solar system. Many companies offer solar loan, solar lease and power purchase agreements to help offset the upfront cost of solar panel systems.

Blue Raven Solar does well in this category because they have a full range of payment options that are beneficial to the customer.

Services Offered

The best solar companies in Texas offer more than just solar installation services. When you choose a solar company for your solar needs, make sure they also offer solar backup batteries, energy-efficiency audits and routine maintenance.

Several Texas solar installation companies offer more than just solar installation. The solar panels and battery backup systems are the minimum that should be offered by a given company. Some companies, such as Solartime USA and NRG Clean Power, can do even more. In a state like Texas where electricity rates can fluctuate drastically, it’s important to hire a solar company that offers whole-home services that increase your energy independence and resilience.

Warranty Coverage

Many of the top solar providers offer a robust 25-year warranty program that can come in handy should you experience problems with your solar system. Warranty programs are not only critical for potential solar panel problems, but good warranty programs also indicate the quality of solar products.

The best warranties offer comprehensive coverage.

Company Experience

In our review process, we look at the year each company began operation as well as the number of solar panel systems they have installed. We also look at how long a company has been installing solar panels in Texas because each geographic region has different solar needs.

There are more than 450 solar installation companies in Texas, so more experience in the solar industry make certain companies more competitive.

Brand Quality

Each solar installer offers different brands, so we look at the quality of the brands offered as we assign our ratings. Some companies, such as Blue Raven, have several brands available for installation while others, only offer one quality brand option.

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The cost information presented in this article is derived from a comprehensive analysis, incorporating data from multiple industry sources. The average cost per watt per state was calculated based on figures from Consumer Affairs, Energy Sage, and Berkeley Lab’s Electricity Markets & Policy Department. Additionally, monthly energy consumption and the average monthly cost of electricity were sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, ensuring a well-rounded and accurate representation of the information presented.

Methodology: How We Reviewed the Best Solar Companies in Texas

When we review solar providers in Texas, we look at six different major factors that we believe will play a significant role in your overall experience with going solar. With over 240 installers in the state, we spent hours researching the best ones and looking at the services and pricing that we felt would work best for you. We’ll explain our process below.

  • Local reputation and reviews (20%): With over 200 installers in the state, it’s crucial that you choose one that hasn’t just popped up to take advantage of the high demand for solar. We read through hundreds of customer reviews to assess each company’s local reputation and its ability to provide the service Texas solar customers need. For companies with negative reviews, we look to see where they could improve and where they might fall short when installing your solar array.
  • Pricing and financing (20%): Texas homeowners have high energy demands, which means they need larger solar systems than most Americans. Unfortunately, that also means conversion costs are thousands of dollars above the national average. We look for Texas installers that maintain affordable pricing but also provide access to a variety of payment options. Combined, these help keep solar as affordable as possible in the area.
  • Services offered (20%): Texans need to be concerned with home energy efficiency because they use more electricity each month than most U.S. residents. They also typically choose solar batteries, as they provide additional savings since the state doesn’t mandate net metering. We rank companies higher that offer add-on services, including solar batteries, home energy audits, solar pool heaters and more.
  • Warranty coverage (20%): Texas sees a lot of extreme weather, including intense thunderstorms and tornadoes that can put rooftop solar systems at risk of damage. That’s why we look for companies that offer robust warranty coverage for their systems. We look specifically for lengthy workmanship warranties, as these help protect you and your system from the extreme weather that frequently hits Texas.
  • Company experience (10%): In areas like Texas, where the demand for solar is high, the risk of getting an inexperienced company is, unfortunately, high. Installers with a lack of experience are more likely to make mistakes during the installation, and they’re also more likely to go out of business and void your warranties in the process. We try to recommend companies that have at least five years of experience, and we rank companies higher that have at least ten.
  • Brand quality (10%): Finally, we look at the brands of solar panels each provider installs. Panels that are ideal in the Lone Star State have a high efficiency rating to help maximize your savings on your above-average utility bills, as well as a high maximum wind load to stand up to the strong winds that come along with tornadoes in the area.

Read More About Going Solar in Texas

FAQs: Best Solar Companies Texas

Elon Musk once indicated that it would only take a small corner of a state like Texas covered in solar panels to power the entire country, or 100 by 100 square miles. Texas is one of the biggest solar markets, which means your questions about going solar set the tone for the future of solar. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.

Blog author image
Article author
Karsten is an editor and energy specialist focused on environmental, social and cultural development. His work has been shared by sources including NPR, the World Economic Forum, Marketwatch and the SEIA, and he is certified in ESG with the CFA Institute. Before joining EcoWatch, Karsten worked in the solar energy sector, studying energy policy, climate tech and environmental education. A lover of music and the outdoors, Karsten might be found rock climbing, canoeing or writing songs when away from the workplace.
Reviewer image
Expert reviewer
Melissa is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainability studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a nonprofit that’s featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.

Comparing authorized solar partners

EcoWatch rating
Average cost
Pros
Cons
BBB Rating
Year founded
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Warranty Coverage
  • 4.5
    • Industry-leading in-house financing
    • Competitive pricing
    • Excellent reputation
    • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
    A+
    Best Solar Financing
    2014
    Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, SolarEdge, Silfab, SunPower
    25-year manufacturer warranty; 10-year workmanship warranty, 2-year production guarantee

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