Best 5 Solar Companies in Cedar Hill, TX

Cedar Hill homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to generate energy and heat their water. 1,765 homes in the area already employ a solar photovoltaic or water heating system. Expert installers will therefore have the precise experience you need to join the solar trend with confidence. In this article, we'll highlight Cedar Hill's best solar installers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

We evaluated dozens of Cedar Hill solar providers, using the following criteria to choose the superior:

• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Cedar Hill community for a decade or longer.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Cedar Hill solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple perks. Let's look at a few of them.

• Smaller power bills: Producing some or all of your own power will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Cedar Hill Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Cedar Hill

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar energy system. Consider each of these aspects in your service provider search.

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. Solar providers can also obtain certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Cedar Hill

Your solar modules' type will influence how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's performance. Not all solar providers provide these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Cedar Hill and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $16,650 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Cedar Hill

There are many ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include loans, cash payments, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. Look for providers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates that could save you more money.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy