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Best Solar Companies in San Antonio, TX

We compared 29 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Freedom Solar Power
      4.5(287)
    • Solar leases
      Sunrun
      4.1(3,121)
    • Customer service
      ION Solar
      4.3(117)

    Best Solar Companies in San Antonio, TX

    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +2 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Cassidy McCants
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    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Our top 3 solar company picks for San Antonio

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

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. 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 we make solar company recommendations.

    The best solar companies in San Antonio

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

    2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    Freedom Solar Power
    Freedom Solar Power
    4.5
    287 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. Many also find the app helpful in tracking energy production post-installation.

    • “Freedom Solar came in, explained the system to us and suggested where to put them. They took a drone around the roof and looked at the shade covering. They also looked at the structure of the roof. They walked us through the amount of energy we could produce and how we would have additional ones installed with the current utility meter. That meter would measure how much the panels were receiving. We also have an app that connects with the box and it tells me real-time how much energy I'm producing and how much I'm getting from the utility.” — Hector in San Antonio

    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

    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 solar leases
    Sunrun
    Sunrun
    4.1
    3,121 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2007
    Get Started Read Reviews

    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 sales rep of Sunrun was straightforward. We asked questions and he answered them. When they came over and did everything, they let us know when they’d be there. They let us know when they left and let us know what they found. Everything was above board, straightforward, and honest. So far, the service has been good.” — Myron in San Antonio

    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
    ION Solar
    4.3
    117 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    21.9%
    Panel warranty
    30 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2013
    Learn More Read Reviews

    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.

    • “ION Solar's sales presentation was in depth. The salesman had a tablet and he was showing us different examples of different solar panels. He was very knowledgeable of the whole thing and he answered all our questions. With them, nothing's contracted out. From the install to the people we call after the equipment is installed, everything's pretty much through ION. And I like that a lot because I don't want to have three different numbers and three different companies to call for three different things. But I would like them to have a little improvement in helping me figure out exactly what everything means. Other than that, they did everything for us to get things set up and for the installation, it was simple and the reps came in the house two times for it. I got 14 panels and I know that the system is up and running because they have an app and you can see it there. The app is self-explanatory. There's not a lot to it, but for someone like me who likes everything at their fingertips, it's a good thing to have, just to check real quick.” — Robert in San Antonio

    Reviewers in other states sometimes mention communication issues or installation delays. These types of complaints are common in the industry. Solar installations are complicated projects — there’s always a chance that projected timelines change due to weather, supply chain issues and other factors. We also think ION Solar could be a little more transparent about its financing options and additional services provided.

    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
    • In-house installers

    Cons

    • Some communication issues
    • Occasional installation delays

    How we chose the best solar companies in San Antonio

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

    Solar Companies in San Antonio Buyers guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

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      San Antonio solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to hundreds of Texans who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what San Antonio 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 $21,987 in San Antonio.

      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 San Antonio may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Bexar County or Texas government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in San Antonio

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

      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 San Antonio household needs a system with a capacity of 10.47 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 San Antonio

      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 San Antonio?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in Texas if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, San Antonio homeowners with solar panels can avoid $68,858 in total utility costs over 25 years.

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

      Most months, David in San Antonio doesn’t pay for electricity at all. Bryce in San Antonio told us their monthly electric bill comes in somewhere between $0 and $3. Heather in Canyon Lake said their electric bill went from $300 to $96.

      “My solar panels power my whole house and the only thing I pay in electricity is $27 meter fee,” David in New Braunfels told us. “One time, one of the panels was not communicating with the computer that runs everything. I called them and they picked up the phone on the first ring and the problem was solved within 24 hours.”

      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?

      How to find a reputable solar company in San Antonio

      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 Bexar County

      San Antonio has many historic districts with specific building codes and aesthetic guidelines. Ensure your solar installation complies with these regulations to preserve the city's historical character.

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

      Solar incentives in San Antonio

      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.

      The San Antonio City Council approved a $30 million project to install solar panels on rooftops, parking lots and park canopies throughout the city. This project is the largest municipal solar project in Texas. It is expected to offset 11% of the city's electricity consumption. Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2026.

      San Antonio 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.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      Texas law limits homeowners associations (HOAs) from outright banning solar panels but allows restrictions in certain cases, such as if panels affect public health, safety or violate design rules. HOAs can regulate the placement of panels, but homeowners can contest the decision if the placement decreases energy output by more than 10%. 

      » GREENEST STATES: Texas ranked 21st in 2024

      How does net metering work in San Antonio?

      Net metering lets you sell excess solar energy to your local grid for credit. In San Antonio, CPS Energy offers a net metering program that lets customers with solar panels earn credits on their monthly bill for excess energy generated. These credits are based on CPS Energy's avoided cost rate. Unused credits roll over monthly, and CPS Energy reimburses any remaining credits at the avoided cost rate during an annual December true-up.

      Are there any community solar programs available?

      Big Sun Community Solar is a community solar program offered by CPS Energy, which allows residents to benefit from solar energy without installing panels on their own roofs. Participants co-own a large off-site solar farm and receive credits on their electricity bill for 25 years.

      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 San Antonio

      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 San Antonio, 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 San Antonio 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?

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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 San Antonio, TX." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        2. SolarReviews, How much do solar panels cost in San Antonio, 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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