Best 5 Solar Companies in Baytown, TX

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Baytown

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar array. Here are some important factors to consider while searching for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

All solar installers in Texas must have a state electrical contractors' license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners regulates plumbing regulations and licensing standards for solar thermal installers. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Baytown

The style of solar panels you choose decides how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers include these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Baytown. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Baytown

Choosing the ideal financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, loans, and leases. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each installer you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Baytown.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.