Best Solar Panel Companies in Texas

Solar Power Systems
18 min readJul 24, 2024

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Choosing the top solar panel installation companies in Texas can be challenging, given the numerous options available. Research is crucial to finding a reliable company that meets your needs and budget. SolarPowerSystems.org offers a detailed and well-researched library of information on U.S. solar companies, helping you make informed decisions by comparing different providers and understanding their services.

Want to learn more about Texas solar companies in depth? Go to our article and read the carefully studied pieces. Our posts compare and explain in great detail the best installers in Texas so you can make an informed choice. Read what we have to say right now to stay ahead on your solar energy path!

By obtaining a personalized solar quote, you can take the first step toward achieving sustainable energy. You will be able to connect with the best solar providers using our user-friendly website, which guarantees that you will obtain the most accurate and competitive quotations. See how much money you may save by switching to solar energy right now.

The Solar Landscape in Texas

Due to its large population, hot climate, and extensive industrial sector, Texas is known as a leader in the energy industry.

Texas, the biggest of the 48 contiguous US states, is located along the US-Mexico border in South Central America. At over 30 million, the state’s population has reached an all-time high. The state depends on reliable and affordable energy, and one significant source of energy is solar power.

The climate of Texas State is subtropical, with warm summers and moderate winters. Texas has 235 sunny days year on average. The US has 205 sunny days on average.

A report made for pv magazine by Solcast DNV (a company aiming to enable the world with solar data and forecasts, supporting the transition to a solar-powered future) reveals that different trends have affected solar power throughout North America in late December. A prolonged Atlantic high-pressure system drove easterly winds, keeping the Gulf of Mexico moisture offshore and giving the South up to 30% more irradiance than the long-term December normal.

A high-pressure system in the Atlantic and severe low pressure in the North Pacific caused a significant irradiance disparity across North America. These trends have affected solar power throughout the continent, especially in Texas, where December irradiance was better than projected, giving The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT’s) vast solar assets a boost.

The Texas Interconnection, which provides electricity to over 25 million Texas consumers and accounts for 90% of the state’s electric load, is managed by the American company ERCOT. The first independent system operator (ISO) in the US is called ERCOT.

The North American map of Global Horizontal Irradiance
Source: pv magazine

The report outlines that Texas utility-scale solar power was 20% above the long-term average in December owing to above-average irradiation. Winter irradiance in Texas is three times greater than near the northern US border, making it an appealing solar site.

Consequently, in January, Texas saw unprecedented levels of solar power output. According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) during a winter cold snap on January 16, for example, solar output reached 14,837 megawatts or 23% of the total system demand. On January 28, solar reached new highs for both generation (15,222 MW) and market share (36.1%). On February 13, solar generation surpassed 16,000 MW, meeting over 30% of the system’s power needs for a significant portion of the day.

This additional capacity provides the foundation for this monumental transformation. ERCOT is about to undergo a significant change this year when solar power will soon outnumber coal-fired electricity. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicted, in its most recent short-term energy projection, that solar production in ERCOT would rise by 24 million MWh in 2024 while coal output would decrease by 14 million MWh.

Diagram comparing annual electricity generation from coal versus utility-scale solar generation
Source: cleantechnica

Based on the data from pvtech (the graph presented below), the solar generating capacity within the ERCOT market is expected to experience significant growth in the upcoming years, indicating that there will be a substantial increase of over 40% by the end of 2024. This growth is a result of the shifting focus from wind to solar among Texas’s renewable energy producers. It is anticipated that this shift will drive the state’s solar production capacity to exceed that of wind by the conclusion of 2025.

Diagram showing the Texas rise of solar production capacity over the wind production by 2025
Source: pvtech

Insights to the Texas’ Remarkable Success

  • Availability

Texas is endowed with some of the nation’s best solar resources. The state has one of the highest technical potentials for photovoltaic (PV) rooftop installations due to its southwest location and little tree cover. It is also well-suited for utility-scale PV projects in west Texas, which may benefit from the westward concentration of solar radiance (*see the picture below).

U.S. map showing percentage of small structures in each contiguous United States ZIP code having at least one roof type suitable for photovoltaics
Source: nrel
  • System Integration

The integration of solar electricity into Texas’ energy system has been made possible by the robust grid infrastructure and smart grid technologies that have contributed to this integration. In order to fulfill the requirements of customers located across the state, advanced grid management methods guarantee the transmission of solar energy in a dependable and effective manner.

  • New Technologies and Investment

Texas has emerged as a leader in the renewable energy revolution thanks to well-considered investments in solar infrastructure and technology advancements. Both the public and private sectors have made large investments in the state as a result of its dedication to creating an environment that is favorable for the growth of renewable energy.

  • Growing Energy Demand

Texas’s economy and population are increasing at one of the quickest rates in the nation. According to the Texas Demographic Center, the state’s population is expected to increase from 25.1 million in 2010 to between 31.2 and 54.4 million by 2050. To meet the need for power in the face of enormous population expansion, more electricity must be produced. In order to power its homes and businesses, Texas will need more electricity, much of which may come from renewable energy sources like solar. Additionally, consumers in the state’s business and residential sectors are increasingly requesting choices for solar energy.

  • Policy Assistance

The fast spread of solar energy in Texas has been driven in large part by policies and programs that are forward-thinking and have played a significant role in pushing this progress. The development of solar projects and the acceleration of their deployment throughout the state have been hastened thanks to incentive programs, renewable portfolio requirements, and tax incentives.

Comprehending Texas Solar Rebates and Incentives

Investment in renewable energy is often stimulated by state and federal subsidies. Although Texas RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standard) establishes minimum goals for the amount of energy generated by solar and wind power, those goals have long since been reached. As a result, in Texas, government incentives have a greater influence.

Anyone thinking about switching to solar electricity needs to understand these financial instruments. They lower the cost of solar technology while simultaneously increasing its accessibility.

Financial rewards such as solar rebates and incentives are provided by utilities, Texas solar energy companies, and the government to promote the use of solar energy. These might be in the form of tax credits, performance-based incentives, or outright cash refunds. In Texas state, they are as follows:

Incentive

Description

Type

Federal Solar Tax Credit

While Texas has no State Solar Tax Credit, homeowners around the nation may get a non-refundable tax credit when they install solar panels. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is worth 30% of the installation cost when you submit your taxes.

Investment Tax Credit does not last forever. Current legislation reduces it to a 26% tax credit in 2033. Again, it drops to 22% in 2034. Starting in 2035, homeowners will lose the tax benefit unless Congress extends it.

Examining Pricing and Financing Options of Texas Solar Companies

You’ll be able to make an educated choice if you investigate your financing alternatives and comprehend the price structure.

According to SolarReviews, In Texas, solar panels typically cost $2.77 per watt as of June 2024. This means that a 6000-watt (6 kW) solar system would cost $11,647 once the 30% federal solar tax credit is taken use of.

This is less expensive than the $3.00 per watt average price of home solar power systems in the US right now.

Pay close attention to the price per watt, which shows how much it costs to make one watt of energy. Take into account the whole cost of the system as well, including the equipment, installation, permits, and other expenses.

Solar installations can be financed through various options, including loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Consider the financing options available with each solar quote. Evaluate the terms, interest rates, repayment schedules, and potential savings to determine which financing option best suits your financial situation and goals.

Examine each solar quote’s related payback duration and return on investment. Calculate how long it will take for the solar panel system’s energy savings to offset the original cost. You may assess each quote’s long-term financial advantages and choose the one that provides the best returns by comparing the ROI and payback duration.

Exploring the World of Texas Solar Companies

It’s likely that you will collaborate with one of the state’s solar installers if you want to install a solar system in your home. Only the most technically knowledgeable households should attempt this do-it-yourself project since installing a solar PV system requires extensive and intricate electrical cabling.

It’s crucial to deal solely with the top Texas solar providers since they differ in everything from installation quality to customer service. In addition to providing you with information on residential solar power systems, we at SolarPowerSystems.org thoroughly evaluate solar companies to assist you in installing a high-quality solar PV system on your house. They are able to explain all of the benefits to you and ensure that your system is able to satisfy your specific energy requirements.

Use this useful step-by-step guide to find the best solar supplier for you if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your choices or don’t know where to begin:

  • Step 1: Organize the Available Solar Providers Into a List

Make a document with every Texas solar energy company information on a single page is the simplest approach to compare solar installers. Create a list of nearby solar suppliers, adding both national and small-scale local businesses that provide services to your state.

After you have a good list of solar companies in Texas, you can begin adding extra details to the document that you gather over the course of the next phases.

  • Step 2: Consider the Benefits and Drawbacks of Selecting a National or Local Installer

When evaluating supplier alternatives, it’s crucial to understand the distinctions between a local firm and a national corporation. Typically, bigger organizations are more established and can provide more extensive warranties. They may also provide additional payment choices and maintenance services like panel cleaning.

Local businesses, on the other hand, are more likely to understand your state’s rebates and county permitting needs. And since they handle fewer sites and clients, the process may proceed more quickly, enabling you to schedule appointments for price estimates and installation sooner.

There is no right or wrong answer to this question; just examine if a small or big firm makes a difference for your requirements. Make a note on your paper which firms fit under each category.

  • Step 3: Accreditation and Certification of Texas Solar Companies

In your comparison sheet, be sure to include not just the experience of each organization but also their qualifications. If you are unable to locate any information about credentials on the corporate website, you may phone the firm to inquire about them. Certifications are often advertised online by the majority of companies.

Solar installation firms should possess a C-10 license, which is a general electrical contractor’s license, or at the very least, the necessary business licenses and insurance policies. Make sure they have the necessary licenses to work on the electrical and wiring in your system.

General contracting, electrical, home improvement, and home performance contractor licenses are typical licenses for solar installations. Additionally, installers must carry general liability insurance and may hold supplementary certifications from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners).

  • Step 4: Go Through Texas Solar Company Reviews

Conduct a search for reviews left by customers on credible websites. Get in touch with the Texas solar comapny and inquire for references if you are unable to track any or if you only find a few. In response to a request, the majority will supply two or three references.

Make use of your document to make a note of the overall impressions you receive from the reviews you read; this will make it simple for you to recall the issues you want to address with a firm before moving forward with the process.

  • Step 5: Analyze the Financing Options Available to each Texas Solar Company

Purchasing solar panels may be done in a number of different ways, including paying cash, obtaining a loan, leasing, or engaging in a power purchase agreement (PPA). Other options include leasing. Make a note of the information that you discover about the possibilities that each of the companies on your list provides.

It is important to make sure that any firm you are considering has the option of financing your panels if you already know how you want to pay for them. If you are unsure which option is the most appropriate for your situation, you should concentrate on businesses that provide a variety of financing options so that you may discuss your options with them before making a selection. You should eliminate a firm from your list if it does not provide the financing option that you are looking for.

ION Solar

Solar energy provider ION Solar provides:

  • Custom-designed systems
  • Permits
  • Installation
  • Inspection and maintenance of solar panel systems

The business installs every solar panel and inverter in-house. It is stated on the website of the firm that the installer will supply you with a system that will include free maintenance and repairs for the duration of the contract. The system monitoring service is another service that ION Solar provides.

By providing high-quality solar panels to residential and commercial buildings in the region, ION Earth, which is a nonprofit part of ION Solar, contributes to the betterment of the community. ION Solar constructs a whole system that is then given to a household with a low income for every two megawatts (mW) of power that is installed.

ION Solar offers a sleek, modern design with their exclusive black-on-black solar panels, ensuring a sophisticated look for your home. Unlike other providers, ION conceals conduits through the attic, maintaining your home’s aesthetic appeal. Additionally, they provide paint touch-ups to ensure seamless integration with your roof’s design. Choose ION for a thoughtful and customized solar solution that enhances your home’s beauty.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in the United States that constructs low-cost houses. ION Earth works in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity to find homes that are in need of free bespoke systems. Habitat for Humanity, which was established forty years ago and has provided assistance to over 6.8 million houses in seventy countries and one thousand four hundred municipalities, is the appropriate partner for ION Earth.

As an optional system upgrade for its residential solar arrays, Ion Solar does not provide solar battery storage as an option. Many of the most successful solar firms provide their clients with the option of purchasing a solar energy storage system in order to increase the effectiveness of their solar technology.

Blue Raven

Blue Raven was started in 2014, and its main office is in Orem, UT. The company SunPower Solar bought it in 2021.

The Texas solar power company collaborates with GivePower, a charity group that tries to make the world and the planet a better and cleaner place. The company says that over 67% of the country’s energy comes from burning fossil fuels. Blue Raven wants to stop this, one solar panel at a time.

One great thing about this solar energy company in Texas is that they offer free solar energy for 18 months with the BluePower Plus+ plan. They also don’t charge for installation and back their work with 25-year maker protection and a two-year promise on power generation with every installation. The two-year power production promise means that you can get a free change to a new system if your old one doesn’t create enough energy.

Here are a few more advantages of Blue Raven services offered:

  • Every customer receives a specially created system for their house.
  • The business manages all of your city’s system permits.
  • Clients get a manufacturing guarantee in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty.
  • The organization offers a free guide that goes into the specifics of solar panels.

Solar equipment characteristics:

  • Black-on-black monocrystalline, tier-1 panels with an average lifetime of 25 to 40 years and a power output of 315 to 335 watts are used by Blue Raven Solar.
  • A SunPower SunVault solar bank can store extra solar energy to use later, like when the power goes out.
  • Quality Enphase microinverters that last a long time and work well are used by the company.
  • Ecobee smart heaters with wireless remote sensors and Wi-Fi connectivity are also available.

Blue Raven Solar does not offer lease choices. Instead, the company highly advises customers to buy their solar cells and own them. Customers can get full federal and state tax credits if they own the panels. Customers have more control over their solar energy system and its long-term financial benefits when they own it.

Longhorn Solar

In Central Texas, Longhorn Solar is a family-run business that installs solar systems and provides customer care worthy of its neighbors. The company works with residential and commercial solar panel systems. They have come a long way from their modest beginnings in the 1980s, hanging Christmas lights on rooftops, to their formal solar debut in 2009. In an effort to uphold its reputation as a reliable solar panel installer, Longhorn Solar wants to see solar panels installed on every Texas rooftop.

The Texas solar installer offers sector-leading guarantees:

  • Equipment warranty

Longhorn Solar offers homeowners a 25-year equipment warranty, which means that the company will replace or repair a defective or damaged system component at any time during the first 25 years of operation. This is made possible by the company’s partnerships with top solar panel and solar inverter manufacturers.

  • Workmanship warranty

Longhorn Solar offers a 25-year craftsmanship guarantee to complement the equipment warranty. The workmanship guarantee safeguards the solar PV system against installation faults. To put it simply, Longhorn Solar strives to guarantee that its clients never have to pay for labor or upkeep on their solar panel installations.

  • Performance warranty

Longhorn Solar gives homeowners a clear idea of how much energy their solar energy systems will generate over time and assures that they will run at top efficiency for the duration of their usage.

Several team members at Longhorn Solar in Texas are certified as NABCEP solar professionals. Furthermore, in terms of authenticity, they are among the few businesses that provide a special 12-week training program to every new Account Manager undergoing training.

In spite of the fact that the firm mentions that it offers a variety of flexible loan financing alternatives in addition to the direct purchase of a solar panel system, it does not seem that Longhorn Solar offers cost-effective financing solutions such as solar leases and PPAs.

Sunlux

Sunlux is a solar panel company in Texas that specializes in the installation of solar systems for residential use and adheres to a rigorous procedure in order to provide solar energy to its consumers swiftly. The company offers the following services:

  • Site assessment
  • Engineering and design
  • Permitting
  • Setting up
  • Permission to operate and inspection (PTO)

In addition to providing customers in Texas and California with full solar installation services, Sunlux offers a variety of financing choices. Customers can purchase their system outright or finance it via a solar loan with no money down and cheap interest rates. They can also lease their solar panels or go with a prepaid plan or power purchase agreement.

The firm is open and honest about what each individual consumer may anticipate from a Sunlux solar system, and it provides protection for each system via comprehensive warranties.

Sunlux offers its own 25-year workmanship or service guarantee to clients in addition to the 25-year equipment warranties from the manufacturers. This warranty covers parts and labor expenses related to system repairs. Additionally, the solar installer guarantees that for the anticipated 25-year lifetime of the systems, they would operate at peak efficiency.

The integration of solar energy with home automation components is an interesting trend in the solar business. Sunlux is compatible with both the Leviton Load Center, a smart circuit breaker that assists in monitoring the energy use of your home, and the Google Nest Smart Thermostat with ease.

The lack of a certification from the NABCEP, which would suggest that Sunlux’s workers had completed extra, specialized training, is a company’s small drawback. When a consumer is evaluating different solar businesses, the absence of certification may occasionally make a difference, even if it does not always indicate poor installation quality.

EHS (Efficient Home Services)

Efficient Home Services (EHS) was founded in 2011 and currently operates in two states, Florida and Texas. The installer offers a variety of services:

  • Solar solutions
  • Solar panels
  • Roofing
  • Battery storage
  • HVAC
  • Servicing

Nearly every component of the solar power system is guaranteed for the duration of its anticipated lifespan thanks to EHS’s affordable warranties, which are among the best in the business.

As a means of maximizing customer savings, EHS makes use of the best solar equipment available from the best manufacturers. Among them are high-efficiency solar panels manufactured by LG and Aptos, small inverters manufactured by Enphase, and solar energy storage devices manufactured by Generac (Generac PWRcell).

In addition to offering a variety of home energy improvements, the firm is also involved in philanthropic giving and makes donations to a number of different nonprofit organizations and charitable organizations, as well as a children’s hospital in the greater area.

EHS does not seem to specify financing options for its solar energy systems until customers have received a free estimate and energy assessment. At that point, customers may have access to a range of potential funding sources, such asPPAs, solar leases, and third-party solar loan finance.

The Importance of Solar Quotes in the Process of Making Decisions

It is important to compare solar quotes for a number of reasons. In the first place, it clarifies price differences as well as differences in equipment quality and technician expertise. It also helps you to choose which solar solution would optimize your return on investment. Finally, it enables you to confirm that the system’s size and design selections complement your unique energy objectives.

To make an educated choice, it’s important to take into account a number of factors while comparing solar estimates. These factors consist of :

  • The solar company’s reputation
  • The standard of the solar system, equipment, and installation
  • The cost and financing choices offered by the installer
  • Warranty conditions
  • The maintenance and after-sale service

Reduce your list to around five best choices based on the information you have gathered for each Texas solar panel company (as it is recommended in our step-by-step guide in the paragraph above). You will contact these businesses in order to get a personalized solar quote.

To effectively determine pricing, most agencies will set up a time to see your home. Ask the following and any other questions that are still unanswered at this period:

  • Do you manage the permissions that my state and city need?
  • What is the number of panels I need based on my monthly energy usage?
  • If you do provide a warranty, what is covered by it?
  • How would the procedure work if I wanted to go with your business further?
  • Do you work with subcontractors?

Online tools have many features that make comparing solar quotes easier. By giving you access to a network of well-regarded solar contractors, these platforms guarantee that you will get reasonable bids from respectable businesses. They also provide resources for comparing financing choices, equipment, and projected savings. You may pick the finest solar quotation for your requirements with confidence by using these tools to make well-informed choices.

For further information on possible choices in your area, you can also utilize our free solar quote tool.

Looking Ahead of Texas’ Greener Tomorrow

Texas has plentiful oil, natural gas, and wind energy, which, together with modern grid infrastructure, boosts the economy. Modern grid infrastructure integrates renewable energy sources to promote economic development and environmental sustainability. Texas’ increased energy independence improves its resilience and stability, benefiting the state and country.

Improved grid reliability and strength, cheaper power, job creation, and cleaner energy sources that don’t harm the environment locally and globally can make all Texans’ lives safer and healthier.

Discover how SolarPowerSystems.org can help you move towards a greener future and find the best solar company in Texas. Request a solar quote now and be part of the eco-friendly movement in Texas.

As the solar movement grows, Texas is leading the way to a cleaner energy future. Texas’ record-breaking solar production shows how renewable energy can change the globe.

Let’s use the sun’s power to create a brighter, more sustainable future!

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