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  5. Best Solar Companies in Texas

Best Solar Companies in Texas

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      We’ve talked to thousands of Texas homeowners who switched to solar. Overall, they’re satisfied with their solar panel installations and happy with their lower electric bills. The majority would recommend going solar to a friend or family member.

      To choose our top picks for this guide, we compared popular solar companies on availability, ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties and other factors. Read our full methodology for all the details. Our picks may be Authorized Partners who compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear.

      Our editor's top picks

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
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      Compare our 5 top solar companies in Texas

      SunPowerSunluxFreedom Solar PowerSunrunShopSolar
      Primary SunPower Read reviews Customer Rating
      4.3
      2,192 reviews2,192 reviews      		Our pick for
      Easy process
      		Max. panel efficiency
      22.8%
      		Warranty
      25 years
      		Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease
      		Year founded
      1985
      		Availability
      Nationwide
      Primary Sunlux Read reviews Customer Rating
      4.6
      553 reviews553 reviews      		Our pick for
      Good monitoring app
      		Max. panel efficiency
      19.7%
      		Warranty
      25 years
      		Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease, prepay
      		Year founded
      2012
      		Availability
      California and Texas
      Primary Freedom Solar Power Read reviews Customer Rating
      4.4
      155 reviews155 reviews      		Our pick for
      Customer service
      		Max. panel efficiency
      22.8%
      		Warranty
      25 years
      		Payment options
      Cash, loan
      		Year founded
      2007
      		Availability
      Florida, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina and Virginia
      Primary Sunrun Read reviews Customer Rating
      4.1
      2,687 reviews2,687 reviews      		Our pick for
      Solar leases
      		Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      		Warranty
      25 years
      		Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease, PPA
      		Year founded
      2007
      		Availability
      Some states
      Primary ShopSolar Read reviews Customer Rating
      4.7
      103 reviews103 reviews      		Our pick for
      DIY solar projects
      		Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      		Warranty
      Varies
      		Payment options
      Cash, loan
      		Year founded
      2018
      		Availability
      Nationwide
      Customize

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      More details about Texas’s top-rated solar companies

      The right solar company for you depends on a range of factors. What sets SunPower apart is its expertise across every step, from permits to panel placement. Sunlux, Freedom Solar and Sunrun offer similar services at varying price points. ShopSolar is a solid option for do-it-yourself projects.

      Our pick for an easy process

      SunPower

      4.3
      2,192 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22.8%
      Warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease
      Year founded
      1985

      SunPower has a refined, streamlined installation process that minimizes headaches for Texas homeowners. The company’s reps handle practically all aspects of the installation process, including labor, product guarantees and roofing needs. We also like that SunPower’s premium Maxeon solar panels have high efficiency ratings and come with a transferable warranty.

      SunPower services

      • Solar panel installation
      • Storage batteries
      • Energy monitoring
      • Solar lease services

      One SunPower customer in Lindale told us their electric company changed its policy, so they aren’t getting quite as good of a deal as anticipated. Another customer, Louis in Irvine, had trouble with SunPower's customer support after multiple inverter failures within the warranty period.

      “I chose SunPower because they provided the most cost-effective solution, best product platform and best long-term support,” Joseph in Rowlett said. Other Texans also appreciate SunPower’s professionalism and responsiveness.

      Brian in Arlington said he likes “the whole aspect of SunPower, where they install the system, maintain it, permit it.”

      Valerie in Teague likes that SunPower panels are made in the United States. “The rep made it easy to understand and gave us a lot of good data to research,” Valerie said.

      “We watched them put up our solar panels, and they kept us up to date all the time about what they would do. It was a good experience,” she added. “Our electric bill was $52 last month. Even with the financing and the $52, it was still way cheaper than what we had been paying.”

      Our pick for monitoring app

      Sunlux

      4.6
      553 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      19.7%
      Warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease, prepay
      Year founded
      2012

      Sunlux is a top-rated solar company only available in Texas and California. We like that it has a range of equipment options and provides a 25-year performance guarantee. It's also a certified Tesla installer.

      Sunlux services

      • Solar installations
      • Solar financing
      • Solar storage batteries
      • EV charging
      • Smart-home solutions
      • Roofing services

      Not every Texan is delighted with Sunlux. For instance, Juani in Dallas had issues with the installation crew.

      “There are still some things that need to be installed in our yard that (have) not been installed. The things are just laying there,” Juani told us. “We were told about a month ago that the crew was going to come back, and we never heard back.”

      Satisfied Sunlux customers in Texas like that reps are upfront and direct. One reviewer, Jeremy in Belton, said Sunlux’s “presentation was much better than some of the other folks we talked to. They had a better sense of what they were talking about and were able to portray that to me, who did not know anything about solar.”

      Jeremy also said that the project manager was “really good” and that the installation went “really, really quickly.”

      Another customer, Dennis in Hutto, appreciated that the project manager “prepared all the documents for my [homeowners association] to review on my behalf, and because she knew what she was doing, my application was approved with no hesitancy on the HOA's part. … After the project was completed, she still connected with me to make sure I was still happy and being well served by the new equipment.”

      Our pick for customer service

      Freedom Solar Power

      4.4
      155 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22.8%
      Warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2007

      Freedom Solar Power is a solar installer with locations in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. Its primary panel partner is SunPower, a national installer (and also one of our top picks). The company also has battery options and sells Tesla Powerwall and SunPower SunVault backup power systems.

      We also like that Freedom Solar Power has a 25-year transferable warranty on equipment and installations. If any issues come up, the company replaces equipment on behalf of the manufacturer.

      Freedom Solar Power services

      • Residential solar panel installation
      • Commercial solar panel installation
      • Ground-mounted solar energy systems
      • Battery backup systems
      • Deinstallation and reinstallation for roof repairs
      • Energy monitoring
      • Solar repair, maintenance and upgrades

      “Freedom Solar Power is not 100% flawless, but I am very satisfied with what I have,” one customer, Russell in Houston, told us.

      For one, it’s not the cheapest option — Russell spent over $120,000 on a system, including the Tesla battery. But, he said, “If you’re looking to enhance the value of your house long-term for resale, Freedom Solar Power is top of the line.”

      Additionally, some customers expressed frustration around tax rebates and buyback programs, which might have something to do with Texas’s largely unregulated energy grid.

      Satisfied Freedom Solar customers in Texas appreciate reps’ professionalism and efficiency. Many see a significant decrease in their electric bills since going solar.

      “Freedom Solar is a good investment, and with the type of the house I have and the way the sun hits it, the amount of panels I have is perfect. It's keeping my house cooler, and I don't have to pay my electric bill,” Leeann in Crowley said. “The app helps keep track of everything too.”

      “Since going solar, my electric bill has gone almost to zero. I'm very excited and happy,” Ghaniul in Fort Worth told us. “The amount that I'm paying them is still a fraction of what I was paying the regular utility company.”

      “I couldn't have been more pleased with how Freedom Solar Power performed, both from a company standpoint, as well as from an installation in the solar panel function,” Keith in Dallas said.

      Our pick for solar leases

      Sunrun

      4.1
      2,687 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease, PPA
      Year founded
      2007

      Sunrun takes a customized approach to designing home solar systems. The company starts by looking at your past electricity bills to estimate your energy needs, and then reps use a specialized computer tool to create the optimal solar system design.

      Sunrun offers solar leasing plans that let you go solar for $0 down. It also stands out by offering roof leak warranties.

      Sunrun services

      • Rooftop solar panel installation
      • Solar battery storage
      • Energy monitoring
      • Solar leases and loans
      • EV charging

      We’ve heard a few complaints about miscommunication, particularly from Texans who say that their systems don’t generate enough power or reduce electric bills as promised.

      For example, Ian in Carrollton said their “system is not generating enough power to provide 99% coverage as stated it would in my contract. And my electric bills have been nearly and sometimes over $100!!”

      Texans appreciate the high quality of the products and the helpfulness of the sales representatives.

      “Enrolling with Sunrun was very easy,” according to Gladys in Fort Worth. “My electric bill this month was $36. I tell everybody it's well worth it. I love it.”

      “The follow up, the workmanship, the work ethic were very good. Sunrun's finance is fantastic too. There's not a whole lot of out-of-pocket to pay. From $120, I’m paying probably $15 for [the] collection fee, which is not a bad deal,” Philip in Austin said.

      “I can always contact them, and their ease of access to customer service is excellent,” Krystle in Richmond told us. “We've definitely seen a difference in our billing which was the main thing. So, we're completely satisfied.”

      Our pick for DIY projects

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      103 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2018

      ShopSolar is a solid option if you want to install solar panels yourself. The online store has solar panel brands like REC, Renogy, Panasonic, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow, and it also sells custom solar kits.

      We like that ShopSolar has free shipping on all solar kits, a price-match guarantee and lifetime customer support.

      ShopSolar products

      • New and used solar panels
      • Solar generator bundles
      • Storage batteries
      • Inverters
      • Charge controllers
      • Cabling and hardware
      • Mounts and racks
      • Off-grid appliances

      Unlike our other top picks, ShopSolar doesn’t offer professional installation services. You need to know quite a bit about solar panels and electrical work for this kind of DIY project to make sense.

      Jay in Abilene told us about his DIY installation: “It’s simple but requires some learning. There was a number we called to get some information, which was reasonably good, though it’s not like having somebody next door that you can call and ask to come to tell you what you’re doing wrong.”

      ShopSolarKits gets overall positive feedback on pricing and communication. “The guy from ShopSolar was pleasurable to work with, and I got a good discount when I bought one of the generators,” one customer, Ben in Laredo, told us.

      “This company is not only helpful but they actually care about their customers,” another customer, Tyler in Rice, said. “I had a situation that they could have easily Just wrote me off and instead worked side by side with me to fix the issue. I have spent over $11k with this company and I will be spending more in the future.”

      Similarly, Belinda in Austin said having a system from ShopSolar has been “fantastic.”

      Compare Texas solar companies

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        Texas solar energy buyers guide

        Texas residents can save an estimated $21,350 over 25 years by installing solar panels. Because of the state’s high levels of sunlight and recent problems with the utility grid, many residents of the state have ideal conditions for going solar.

        Key insights

        • Texas residents who choose to go solar save an estimated $21,350 over 25 years.
        • The most significant way to save money installing solar panels in Texas is to apply for the federal solar investment tax credit.
        • Texas doesn’t have statewide rebate or net metering systems, but many utilities provide these options for residents.

        How much does it cost to install solar panels in Texas?

        The average cost to install solar panels in Texas is $21,654 after using the federal solar investment tax credit, which lets you deduct 30% of the cost of your system from your federal taxes. Before using the credit, the average cost is $30,934.

        The main factors that determine the price of going solar are how much energy it can produce, installation costs, what optional equipment you choose (such as batteries) and whether you need to repair your roof to ensure it lasts as long as your panels. Permitting, utility fees and maintenance also add to the cost of going solar.

        There are many ways to pay for a residential solar energy system in the state. You have the option to pay the full cost upfront, but many people choose to finance their system through a solar loan. You can also lease or enter a power purchase agreement, but you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit if you don’t own the system.

        What solar incentives are available in Texas?

        Texas doesn’t have any statewide solar incentives or rebate programs, but there are many local and regional financial incentives to go solar in the state. Many of these are provided through utility companies, so be sure to check with your energy provider to see what incentives are available to you.

        Unless you install a battery to store excess energy your system produces during the day, you should enroll in net metering if possible. Net metering is a billing structure that lets you send energy back to the utility grid.

        Texas doesn’t have a statewide net metering program, but many utilities in the state have some sort of solar energy buyback program. Depending on your utility, you may receive direct payments or credits that can be applied to future utility bills.

        FAQ

        Is going solar worth it in Texas?

        A residential solar energy system is a good choice in Texas because of the state’s high levels of sunshine. While there are no statewide solar energy incentives, you can use the federal solar investment tax credit and regional programs to reduce the cost of going solar in the state.

        Can I get free solar panels in Texas?

        There’s no totally free option to get solar panels in Texas, but you can lease your panels or enter a power purchase agreement to reduce your upfront cost. You won’t own your panels with these options, however, so you won’t be eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit.

        How do solar batteries work?

        Solar batteries let you store solar energy produced during peak sunlight hours to use later. Many Texas residents often choose to install solar batteries as protection against electric grid outages in the state.

        A solar battery is essential if you want to increase your energy independence or go completely off-grid.

        Methodology: How we picked the best solar companies in Texas

        To choose our top picks for Texas solar energy companies, the ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on several key features, including equipment quality, availability of services and financing options.

        1. Background check: We considered each company’s overall history, current reputation, mission and values. Solar is a booming industry, and there are a lot of fly-by-night companies. We preferred those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability.
        2. Reviews, ratings and testimonials: We analyzed thousands of Texas solar customer reviews and ratings to gauge real-world satisfaction. The happy ones tell us about an easy installation process, great ongoing support and long-term cost savings on their monthly electric bills.
        3. Solar equipment selection: Companies were evaluated on their selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Our top picks use proprietary technology or partner with trusted brands to offer a wide selection of quality solar equipment.
        4. Financing options: Most people don’t pay cash upfront to install solar panels. All our top picks offer in-house financing options — such as loans, leases and power purchase agreements — to make it easier for the average person to go solar.
        5. Monitoring and maintenance: Solar panels don’t take very long to install. But then you’re stuck with them for 20 to 30 years. That’s why we picked solar companies that offer solid after-sales support, like real-time monitoring and regular maintenance services.
        6. Warranties: Any good solar panel manufacturer provides a product and performance warranty. We also made sure our top picks give you a warranty on their labor for installation.

        Not sure how to choose?

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