Texas has an average temperature of 90°F, making it a hot state. You can turn this sunny weather to your advantage by installing solar panels on homes and businesses. Enjoy energy independence, reduce your energy bills to zero, and do all this without harming the environment.
Top Solar Companies in Solar
1. Solar Industry Watch:
SolarIndustryWatch are well known for their expert, educated staff who make the installation process seamless. They also provide the best quality solar panels for both residential and commercial applications.
- Products Efficiency: Upto 20%
- States they provide Services to: Texas, Florida, California, Georgia, Arizona, Washington DC, Delaware, Oklahoma, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and New York
- Company Age: 16 years
- Services:
- Commercial Solar Installation
- Residential Solar Installation
- Solar Panels Maintenance
- Solar Battery Services
- Solar Consultation Services
- Customer Reviews:
“Switching to solar with Solar Industry Watch was an absolute game-changer. Their team was incredibly helpful and made the entire process a breeze. From start to finish, they were professional, efficient, and always available to answer our questions. Our energy bills have plummeted, and we’re thrilled with the quality of the panels. We couldn’t be happier with our decision to go solar with Solar Industry Watch. Highly recommend! ☀️” – James Smith.
2. Integrate Sun:
IntegratedSun is said to be using the same solar technology as NASA, which is truly excellent. If you read the reviews of their company, you will see that their customers are satisfied with the work done by them.
- Products Efficiency: 19% to 23%
- States they provide Services to: Texas, Florida, California, Georgia, Arizona, Washington DC, Delaware, Oklahoma, Nevada, North Colralina, Pennsylvania, and Maryland
- Company Age: 35 years
- Services:
- Commercial Solar Installation
- Residential Solar Installation
- Solar Panels Maintenance
- Solar Consultation Services
- Customer Reviews:
“Making the switch to solar was a fantastic decision. The team from Integrated Sun was professional, efficient, and a pleasure to work with. The installation was smooth, and our energy bills have been dramatically reduced. Thank you, Integrated Sun!” – Colton H.
3. SunRun:
Sunrun is one of the biggest solar services providing companies in the world. With high efficiency, quality products, with excellent customer support.
- Products Efficiency: More than 18%
- States they provide Services to: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Washington, DC
- Company Age: 17 years
- Services:
- Commercial Solar Installation
- Residential Solar Installation
- Solar Consultation Services
- Customer Reviews:
“SunRun made going solar a breeze. The team was professional, answered all my questions, and installed everything quickly. My energy bills are much lower now, and I’m very satisfied with their service!” – Amanda Wilson
4. SunPower
SunPower are highly professional in their work, delivering top-quality products that provide efficient results quickly. Their long-standing, proven services have garnered excellent reviews.
- Products Efficiency: 18% to 22%
- States they provide Services to: They provide solar services all across the Fifty States.
- Company Age: 39 Years
- Services:
- Commercial Solar Installation
- Residential Solar Installation
- Solar Consultation Services
- Customer Reviews:
“Sun Power exceeded my expectations! The entire process was hassle-free, and their team was efficient, knowledgeable, and friendly. The installation was done quickly, and I’m already seeing a big reduction in my electricity bills. I highly recommend Sun Power to anyone considering solar energy!” – Joshua.
5. Palmetto:
Palmetto are among the top tire companies in the USA, providing their customers with clean and green, energy-efficient solar panels, thereby contributing to a positive cause.
- Products Efficiency: 18% to 21%
- States they provide Services to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia
- Company Age: 15 years
- Services:
- Residential Solar Installation
- Solar Panels Maintenance
- Solar Consultation Services
- Customer Reviews:
“I’m over the moon with my new solar panels from Palmetto! The whole team was a dream to work with – super friendly, really knew their stuff, and got the job done lightning-fast. The panels look amazing, and I’m already seeing a huge difference in my electric bill. If you’re thinking about going solar, don’t hesitate – Palmetto is the way to go!” – Evelyn.
How to Determine a Good Company
Most of the House and Business owners doubt whether they are choosing the best company out of all options, to ensure you’re making the right choice, there are several questions you can ask to help you decide.
1. Do their Products have good Quality & Reliability?
It’s really important for you to check for the quality and reliability of the products a company is offering from solar panels to mounting equipment, If you can’t do this yourself, consider hiring a professional or consulting someone who already uses solar as their main energy source. Alternatively, you can go online to learn what defines good quality and reliability in a solar system.
2. How do their Warranty Policies compare with their Competitor’s?
When buying a solar system you must read the company’s warranties to know what you need to do in case of any issue with the system.
Well, there are five different types of warranties a person gets when he installs a proper solar system in his home or business.
- Product Warranty: It covers defects in the physical components of the solar panels, such as issues with the glass, frame, or junction box. It usually lasts between 10 to 25 years, depending on the manufacturer.
- Performance Warranty: The power output of the solar panels, guaranteeing that they will produce a certain percentage of their rated capacity over a specified period is covered in this warranty with an average duration time of 25 years. For instance, a performance warranty might guarantee 90% output for the first 10 years and 80% for the next 15 years.
- Inverter Warranty: This warranty covers defects and failures in the solar inverter, which converts the DC electricity produced by the panels into AC electricity for home use. This usually lasts from 5 to 15 years, depending on the inverter manufacturer and model.
- Workmanship Warranty: This covers Installation-related issues, such as improper wiring or mounting. typically ranges from 1 to 10 years, depending on the installer.
- Battery Warranty (if a battery storage system is included): Defects in the performance-related issues of the battery system are covered in this warranty, it generally ranges from 5 to 15 years.
3. How Experienced and Educated Staff do they have?
To get the best return on investment, you should look for a company that has experienced and knowledgeable staff in installing solar systems. For the longevity and peak performance of the system, it should be installed by professionals.
4. Are the company and its workers licensed and Certified?
It is essential for solar installers to have a license to install solar panels. Different states have different policies and requirements for installers. It is better to hire a solar installer having certifications from programs like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and PV Installation Professional (PVIP) board.
Solar Industry Watch only hires professionals with licenses and certifications to ensure customer satisfaction and efficient installation.
5. What are their past Customer Reviews and Ratings?
The best way to get a clear picture of a company’s services and products is to read reviews or ask past customers about their experiences. Look for good reviews and high ratings to gauge the quality of their services and products. If a company has positive reviews and a rating above 4, you can confidently go solar with them.
6. Do they Offer good Customer Support?
The only way for a company to grow is to maintain their customer’s trust and they achieve it by providing smooth communication channels, which allows them to resolve product and service-related queries and receive feedback.
7. Are their Services and Products Affordable?
You can determine this on your own by comparing the prices of different companies in the market. But when it comes to installing solar panels, never compromise on quality for the sake of price. In the long run, investing in high-quality panels will provide greater benefits and value.
To find the best solar companies, consider the best solar companies in California, as it is one of the biggest solar states in the USA.
Solar Panel Installation Process:
There are five steps followed when installing a Solar System, and yes installing solar panels can be a time-consuming process depending on the Size, location, and complexity faced during the installation.
- Solar Site Visit
After signing the solar contract, an engineer visits your home to certify it’s ready for the solar system. They check your roof and electrical panel to confirm that your home is compatible. Sometimes, the engineer may approve the system based on photos and measurements taken by installers. This visit follows an initial site visit by the installer to design the system based on roof details and shading.
- Documentation & Permits
Installing a solar system over your home or business requires considerable paperwork. While the installers you work with handle most of this paperwork, it’s important to understand how the process works. Key aspects to be aware of include applying for state and federal incentives like the federal solar tax credit and solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) and applying for local building permits which are based on state some states require three feet of space under solar panels while some states allow to cover full roof with solar panels. Moreover, If you’re using a solar loan or lease, additional paperwork will be required, which your installer will help complete. These steps require time and you should look out to its progress from time to time.
How much does Solar Cost in Texas?
On average a solar system in Texas costs around $10,000 to $20,000 for a 5kW system. Well, it can vary depending on the vendor and installer you are working with. This price is not the final price it can be reduced with the help of Incentives and rebates offered by the state and the federal government.
Incentives & Rebates
1. Federal Tax Credits:
By installing a solar system before 2030 you will receive 30% tax credits from the federal government on the total installation cost of the system. You can apply for this through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
2. Net Metering:
A solar system connected to the grid can feed excess energy back to the public grid, earning energy bill credits. Additionally, during outages, the owner will be able to use electricity from the grid.
3. Austin Energy Residential Solar Photovoltaic Rebate Program:
Austin Energy offers a $2,500 rebate for residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems after completing a solar education course. This program aims to reduce energy bills, improve the environment, and encourage informed solar investments. Additional rebates might be available for multifamily properties.
4. Oncor Electric Delivery Residential Solar Program:
This Program offers financial incentives to homeowners who install solar photovoltaic systems with energy storage in their service area. The incentives help offset initial investment costs, accelerating return on investment for participants. Program eligibility and incentive amounts vary based on system size, orientation, and other factors.
What is the Best Financial method to pay for Solar?
There are several ways to help you pay for your solar installation:
- Cash: Paying for solar upfront with cash can benefit you from federal and local incentives and enjoy the shortest payback period. However, this might be out of reach for many homeowners due to solar high initial cost.
- Solar Loans: You can use a loan from a bank, credit union, or solar installer to finance your solar panels. Make sure you shop around to get the best interest rate for your situation.
- Solar Leases: Leasing solar panels allows you to use the system without owning it, paying a fixed monthly price to the company. However, you won’t benefit from incentives and won’t own the panels.
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): With a PPA, you get free solar panel installation but don’t own the system. Your electricity bill will be lower, but you won’t receive incentives and will still pay for electricity. Read the terms carefully before committing.
- Home Equity Loans and HELOCs: These loans let you borrow money using your home’s value as security. These types of loans are easier to get than other loans, but they put your home at risk. If you don’t make the payments, you could face foreclosure. Think carefully before proceeding with this option.
Commercial Solars in Texas
A commercial solar system is installed in businesses and utility farms due to its large-scale nature and use of larger solar panels compared to residential systems. These panels are designed for high efficiency and energy output. The average wattage of a commercial solar panel ranges from 450 watts to 750 watts. When choosing a system, partnering with the best commercial solar companies mentioned above can help you get high-quality panels and optimal performance.
About 55-60% of the total solar capacity in Texas comes from commercial installations. This includes large-scale solar farms and installations on commercial buildings.
Residential Solars in Texas
Residential solar panels are installed in homes they are smaller in size compared to commercial solar panels. They are not as efficient as commercial panels but they do give good efficiency and wattage to effectively power a house. The average wattage of residential solar panels ranges from 200 watts to 450 watts.
About 40-45% of solar capacity is attributed to residential solar installations. This includes solar panels installed on homes and smaller residential buildings.
Solar Benefits
Here are some benefits you will get from installing solar panels above your home or business.
- Cost Savings: Reduces electricity bills by generating free energy from the sun.
- Environmental Impact: Reduces greenhouse gas (Carbon) emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
- Energy Independence: Decreases dependence on grid power and increases resilience during outages. Or go completely independent by an off-grid solar system.
- Low Maintenance: Solar panels require minimal maintenance and have long lifespans of about 20 to 25 years.
- Increased Property Value: Homes with solar installations can increase a home’s resale value by 4%.
According to the US Energy Information Administration Texas is the second-largest solar state power producer after California in 2023.
FAQ’s
Q. How much property value increases after installing solar panels in Texas?
Ans. Installing solar panels on your home can increase its resale value by up to 4%. For example, if your home is currently valued at $100,000, the addition of solar panels could raise its value to $104,000.
Q. How much does solar cost in Texas?
Ans. The cost of solar panels in Texas averages $2.64 per watt, which is a bit lower than the national average. For a standard 6 kW system, the price is around $16,000 before any incentives. However, with the federal tax credit, the cost was reduced to approximately $11,200. Prices can differ depending on the city and system size, so it’s advisable to get quotes from different installers.
Q: How much time does a solar installation take?
Ans. An average-sized residential solar installation only takes 1-3 days, the whole process from beginning to end, which includes attaining permits and undergoing inspections it may take several weeks to a few months. This can be affected by many factors, such as local regulations and utility approval.
