Best Solar Companies in Fort Worth, TX

We compared 21 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Freedom Solar Power
      4.6(280)
    • Solar leases
      Sunrun
      4.3(2,996)
    • Customer service
      ION Solar
      4.4(113)

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Freedom Solar Power logo
    Sunrun logo
    ION Solar logo
    See our top picks

    Find a Solar Energy partner near you.

      Author pictureAuthor pictureAuthor picture
      Author picture
      By:
      Author picture
      Edited by:
      Author picture
      Fact-checked by:

      Best Solar Companies in Fort Worth, TX

      Our top solar company picks for Fort Worth

      1. Best overall: Freedom Solar Power
      2. Our pick for solar leases: Sunrun
      3. Our pick for customer service: ION Solar

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies in Fort Worth 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.
      • 4,547,329 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.

      Compare the top 3 solar companies in Fort Worth

      The best solar companies in Fort Worth

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

      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      22.8%
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2007
      2x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service and Best for Installation

      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. People also find the app helpful in tracking energy production post-installation.

      • “Our overall experience with Freedom Solar was positive. The process was seamless from the proposal to the final installation. The only hiccup we had was with the city and the process of obtaining a permit. … Once I alerted the Freedom Solar engineers to the problem at the city they got the problem worked out. We have had our installation for 18 months now and we are saving a lot of money on our electricity. Even though we have solar panel payments we are still saving money.” — Lynn in Fort Worth
      • “Working with Freedom has been excellent. Mostly, it's been online but when they come out, I can talk with them to get answers. They answer my questions courteously and expeditiously and they get me answers within sometimes 10 minutes.” — Kerr in Fort Worth

      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: The company handles 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: There is 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 their 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
      Our pick for solar leases

      Sunrun

      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Panel warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease
      Year founded
      2007

      Sunrun's leasing program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment. There’s no initial charge for any panels or other equipment, installation or permits.

      • “The rep was very thorough with everything. Any question I had was answered right there and then. The flexibility and the plan just fit perfectly. The installers were very professional and let me know everything that needed to be done. If something was not going right, they make sure to tell me before anything.” — Edgar in Fort Worth
      • “It was advertised on the television by the salesman to get solar energy. I then called and Bobby was the first one to call me. Enrolling with Sunrun was very easy. My electric bill this month was $36. I tell everybody it's well worth it. I love it.” — Gladys in Fort Worth

      Make sure you read the fine print carefully. Some customers have said they are not satisfied with the contract and terms.

      Sunrun specializes in residential solar systems with battery storage. Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG.

      • Services: Sunrun designs and installs customized solar panel systems for homes and businesses. Technicians provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
      • Warranty information: Sunrun provides a 10-year warranty on workmanship and equipment, roof leak protection and a 25-year performance guarantee.
      • Payment options: You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun leasing plans really set it apart. With leases, there’s no initial charge for panels, equipment, installation or permits. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Contracts typically last 25 years and include free repairs.

      Pros

      • Reliable systems
      • Flexible payment options
      • Comprehensive warranties
      • Daily system monitoring

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Some customer service complaints
      • Occasional billing issues
      Our pick for customer service

      ION Solar

      Max. panel efficiency
      21.9%
      Panel warranty
      30 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2013

      ION Solar offers multiple solar options suitable for different needs and budgets. From helpful sales reps to knowledgeable installers, the company really stands out for its strong customer service. We suggest getting a personalized quote to see if ION Solar is a good fit for you.

      • “Overall, ION Solar has been very good. … They had really good communication throughout the whole process. Getting everything installed took around two and a half months. It was quick overall. I just turned the system on last Wednesday. I do have one issue.” — Brennan in Fort Worth
      • “My experience with the ION Solar rep was very positive, helpful, and informative. The hardest thing was deciding to get a new roof and getting that done before we did the solar. But the solar itself, the whole process was very streamlined. We're satisfied. … It would have been nice not to have to pay anything at all every month. But what we're paying is minor compared to the possibilities.” — Arleen in Fort Worth

      Reviewers in other states sometimes mention communication issues or installation delays. Approval delays from utility companies are common in Texas, 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.

      ION Solar’s NABCEP-certified installers use Silfab solar panels and Enphase microinverters. Most projects are completed in 60 to 90 days.

      • Services: Reps coordinate solar system designs and installations as well as roofing services if needed. Energy production monitoring and ongoing system maintenance are available after the installation is complete.
      • Warranty information: All work performed during the installation is covered for 10 years. Panels are guaranteed to produce at least 85% capacity for 30 years. Enphase microinverters come with a 25-year warranty.
      • Payment options: You can purchase or finance the system through a solar loan. Rates and terms vary.

      Pros

      • No upfront payment required
      • 24/7 monitoring
      • Good customer service
      • Solid warranty

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Occasional installation delays

      How we chose the best solar companies in Fort Worth

      We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the humid subtropical climate, to choose the best solar companies in Fort Worth, 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

      Fort Worth solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to hundreds of Texans who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Fort Worth residents should look 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 $22,663 in Fort Worth.

      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 Fort Worth may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Tarrant County or Texas government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Fort Worth

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,350 to $21,000 in Texas. Prices in Fort Worth are comparable, ranging from $7,490 to $21,400.

      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 Fort Worth household needs a system with a capacity of 10.59 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 Fort Worth

      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 Fort Worth?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in Texas if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Fort Worth homeowners with solar panels can avoid $64,475 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. The other 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 Fort Worth

      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.
      • Get quotes: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others — this may indicate lower quality.
      • Verify claims: 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.
      • 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.

      Going solar in Tarrant County

      If you plan on using batteries to draw as little power from the grid as possible, be sure to talk to your installer about your usage and how much power storage you need now and in the future. Going solar, especially with a battery, is a big upfront financial commitment, but residents get one of the best returns on their solar investments in the country.

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

      Solar incentives in Fort Worth

      The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the best incentive for most homeowners. 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.

      Oncor has some renewable energy programs. Additionally, solar installations are exempt from property tax reassessments, meaning the value added to your home by solar panels won’t increase your property taxes.

      Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth?

      Fort Worth has a mix of urban and rural areas, which can influence solar access and permitting requirements. You will likely need an interconnection agreement with your utility company to officially connect your system to the grid.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      While Texas law generally protects the right of homeowners to install solar panels, homeowners associations (HOAs) may require prior approval if specific standards are set in their guidelines. HOAs are allowed to restrict solar panels in a handful of situations related to safety, aesthetics, roof conformity and installation location.

      » GREENEST STATES: Texas ranked 21st in 2024

      How does net metering work in Fort Worth?

      Net metering compensates for sending excess solar energy to the local power grid. It works a little differently in Fort Worth, thanks to the deregulated energy market in Texas. Instead of traditional net metering credits, you can opt into “solar buyback” or “energy credit” programs offered by various Retail Electric Providers (REPs).  The Public Utility Commission of Texas makes it easy to compare electricity plans and find REPs offering solar buyback through Power to Choose.

      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 Fort Worth

      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 Fort Worth, 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 Fort Worth 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. Sunrun
      3. ION Solar

      Not sure how to choose?

      Get buying tips about Solar Companies in Fort Worth delivered to your inbox.

        By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

        Thanks for subscribing.

        You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

        Read Fort Worth solar company reviews

        Sort
        • Best Rated
        • Most Reviewed
        • Highest Rated
        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 Fort Worth, TX." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        2. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Fort Worth, 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.

        Want your company to be on this guide?

        Yes, continue
        Comparing

        ×