Best Solar Companies in Plano, TX

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

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

We’ve talked to hundreds of Texans who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Plano 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.

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,350 to $21,000 in Texas. Prices in Plano are comparable, ranging from $7,560 to $21,600.

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 Plano household needs a system with a capacity of 10.68 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 Plano

How can I pay for solar panels?

Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. The City of Plano offers a Smart Energy Loan program that helps residents finance solar panel installations with low-interest loans. Amounts range from $2,500 to $25,000. Loan terms and interest rates are determined by the participating lender, BTH Bank. 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

Solar panels are generally worth it in Texas if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Plano homeowners with solar panels can avoid $62,553 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 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?

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.
• 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 Collin County

As Texas experiences population growth and extreme weather events, the grid can be strained at times. Consider adding battery storage to your solar system for backup power and increased energy independence.

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

Plano has relatively few local solar incentives. Incidentally, 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 additional solar incentives in Texas to maximize savings. For instance, solar installations are exempt from property tax reassessments, meaning the value added to your home by solar panels won’t increase your property taxes.

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 Plano, 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 Plano 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. Sunrun