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Best Solar Companies in Austin, TX

We compared 34 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Freedom Solar Power
      4.6(283)
    • Good value
      Project Solar
      4.7(77)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(159)
    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +2 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Cassidy McCants
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    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Best Solar Companies in Austin, TX

    Top Picks

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      Our top solar company picks for Austin

      1. Best overall: Freedom Solar Power
      2. Our pick for good value: Project Solar
      3. Our pick for DIY projects: ShopSolar

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies in Austin on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how ConsumerAffairs makes solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,591,400 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies in Austin

      Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most Austinites’ energy needs.

      2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
      Freedom Solar Power
      Freedom Solar Power
      4.6
      283 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22.8%
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2007
      Get Started Read Reviews

      We spoke with over 200 Freedom Solar customers nationwide. Over a recent two-year period, 92% were satisfied with the installation and setup, 94% were pleased with the price and 85% were happy with the customer service.

      • “I've been very satisfied with Freedom Solar, their service and their product. I had a great sales rep who was communicative, very professional, and not high pressure. … They did a fantastic job each time and went above and beyond to do things like asking for some house paint to paint all their conduit so it matched my house. Everything was always done with high quality.” — Scot in Austin
      • “Freedom Solar explained everything a lot better than the other guys. I was impressed with the no-pressure salesperson. Since having the system, my utility bills went down a lot.” — Ian in Austin
      • “They handled all of the stuff with the enrollment process. We just filled out whatever the forms were and it all worked out perfectly. They did the installation really quick. It all went pretty well. Our electric bill has been about $3. It's been great. It worked out exactly what we expected. It was well-managed. The customer service was great. They checked on us. I couldn't ask for anything more.” — Lynda in Austin
      • “They were informative, thorough, and knowledgeable. They were good. Their teams are well connected to the project and well informed. Their whole team, from sales, design, to install and then to start up, has all been great. So far, the product has been very good. It's been a couple of months into a 25-year expected lifetime, but they provided all the documentation on the equipment for its ratings and listing.” — James in Austin
      Freedom Solar isn’t necessarily the cheapest option. We think the quality makes it worth it, but you might want to shop around and compare a few quotes.

      Freedom Solar installs American-designed solar panels and offers two reliable backup battery options, the Tesla Powerwall and the SunPower SunVault.

      • Services: Reps handle everything from site assessment and permitting to installation and activation. It offers various battery storage options, system maintenance and repairs to help homeowners optimize energy generation.
      • Warranty information: Installations come with a 25-year lifetime warranty on equipment and installations. System performance is guaranteed to remain between 84% and 92% of the original production for 25 years.
      • Payment options: You can pay upfront or secure a loan through one of its financing partners. Freedom does not currently offer solar leases.

      Pros

      • Excellent customer service
      • 24/7 performance monitoring
      • Transferable warranty
      • In-house, NABCEP-certified installers
      • Long-term savings

      Cons

      • Somewhat limited availability
      • No in-house financing
      2x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service and Best for Installation
      Our pick for good value
      Project Solar
      Project Solar
      4.7
      77 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      20.9%
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2016
      Read Reviews

      Project Solar reps focus on simple, streamlined installations. The no-sales-gimmicks approach appeals to more budget-conscious clients who want either professional services or do-it-yourself options. We also appreciate the price transparency. Full-service installations start at $1.61 per watt. DIY projects are cheaper, starting at $1.26 per watt.

      • “The price of the product considering the brand name, the kind of materials that they use for their products, and the quality was considerably better value than other options available. It's really good value for really good components. Also, I liked their no-salesperson sign-up process. It was easy and simple. My questions were mostly about the components and materials used for the working parts of the panels and it was very transparent.” — Franklin in Austin
      • “I liked the no-salesperson sign-up. I knew what I wanted so I knew exactly what I was looking for and what I was gonna buy. I also knew what price I was willing to pay. … I like the price. I got exactly what I wanted and exactly what I paid. It was a good deal.” — Patrick in Round Rock

      The installation process is generally smooth and professional, but we have heard about delays due to material shortages or supply chain issues.

      Project Solar specializes in professional and DIY solar panel installations. Systems incorporate equipment from reputable brands like Qcells, Canadian Solar, Jinko and Enphase.

      • Services: Reps can handle the necessary paperwork, engineering plans and permit submissions for the installation. You can get a free online quote and explore sizing options for their homes.
      • Warranty information: There is a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty. Both are limited and have exclusions like weather damage or misuse.
      • Payment options: Project Solar partners with a few lenders to offer financing solutions for professional solar installations. DIY customers can pay cash or finance through a third-party lender.

      Pros

      • Easy sign-up process
      • High-quality equipment
      • Competitive pricing

      Cons

      • Occasional miscommunications
      • No in-house financing
      2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
      ShopSolar
      ShopSolar
      4.7
      159 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2018
      Read Reviews

      ShopSolar has helpful reps, fast deliveries and a nice selection of equipment for DIY projects. You can find new and used solar panels, storage batteries, inverters and everything else for an off-grid or hybrid setup. We also like that it has free shipping on all solar kits, a price match guarantee and lifetime customer support.

      • “I love the EcoFlow. I had it test driven. Even before I got to use it for the business, power went out in Austin for a couple of weeks. The system ran my coffee pot and my refrigerator. I had the solar panel outside so it would last a little longer. Having the system has been fantastic. I can go out and get a closing done within an hour. I close and send it from my vehicle because I have that system in my car. If I had to drive all the way home, it would never happen.” — Belinda in Austin

      Some customers have told us about problems with damaged equipment. On the bright side, reps try to quickly resolve these issues with refunds or replacements.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      • Services: Reps can help you design a custom solar system based on your specific energy requirements. The company doesn't offer direct installation services, but online tutorials and video guides are available.
      • Warranty information: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by individual manufacturers’ warranties.
      • Payment options: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International. It also partners with Affirm to offer financing options.

      Pros

      • Great for RVs and outbuildings
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      How we chose the best solar companies in Austin

      We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the humid subtropical climate, to choose the best solar companies in Austin, Texas, based on the following key features and respective weightings:

      • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      • Warranty terms: 20%
      • Equipment selection: 20%
      • Financing and payment options: 20%

      » MORE: Full methodology

      Austin solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to hundreds of Texans who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Austin residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $23,909 in Austin.

      Jump to insight

      Solar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers in Austin may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Travis County or Texas government agency.

      Jump to insight

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,350 to $21,000 in Texas. Prices in Austin are comparable, ranging from $7,770 to $22,200.

      This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts.

      System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Austin household needs a system with a capacity of 10.77 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Austin

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Additionally, the PACE program offers financing tied to property tax bills.

      • Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
      • Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      Is solar worth it in Austin?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in Texas if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Austin homeowners with solar panels can avoid $66,714 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. Austin is known for its beautiful trees, but they can also create shading issues for solar panels. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 7.5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      Potential roof problems

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels again. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Austin

      In our experience, the best solar companies in Texas have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      • Check certifications: Verify a company's license with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
      • Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
      • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      Going solar in Travis County

      Approval delays from utility companies are common, so factor that into your solar project timeline. The backlog could be caused by a combination of surging demand for solar installations and the utility potentially struggling to manage the influx of new solar projects.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Texas ranked 26th in 2024

      Solar incentives in Austin

      Austin Energy offers a $2,500 rebate for completing its solar education course and installing a qualifying solar panel system. The City of Sunset Valley also has a solar panel rebate program for residents of $1 per watt (some limitations apply).

      For most homeowners, the 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the best incentive for buying solar panels. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in Texas to maximize savings.

      Austin solar FAQ

      How does the federal solar tax credit work?

      The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, it’s possible to get a refund check if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels in Austin?

      Residential solar panel installations require a city permit and a series of Austin Energy inspections. Upon passing inspections, Austin Energy will authorize your system to connect to the grid. You can file for your inspections and permits through the Austin Build + Connect online portal.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      Your homeowners association (HOA) can’t ban you from going solar, but it can regulate how the panels look and where they are placed on your house.

      » GREENEST STATES: Texas ranked 21st in 2024

      How does net metering work in Austin?

      Net metering lets you draw power from the grid when your solar panels aren’t producing enough. In return, you can send excess energy back to the grid for credit. These credits can then be used to offset your electricity bill when your solar panels are not producing enough energy.

      Austin Energy offers a Value of Solar rates, which compensates customers for the excess energy their panels generate and feed back into the electric grid. The current VoS rate is 9.91 cents per kWh for solar energy generated. This credit is applied to a customer’s monthly electric bill.

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Austin

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Austin, Texas. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Austin customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      1. Freedom Solar Power
      2. Project Solar
      3. ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide Sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Austin, TX." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        2. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Austin, 2024." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), "Texas Solar." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        4. DSIRE, "Texas Programs." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        5. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Texas." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        6. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, "Solar Power for Your Home." Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.
        7. Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation, "Solar Panel Consumer Information." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        8. GoSolarTexas, "Homeowners & Business Owners." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.

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