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Best 5 Solar Companies in Channelview, TX

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Written By Max Peterson|Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Channelview homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to produce their electricity and heat their water. 1,590 homes in the area already use a solar PV or water heating system. Professional installers will therefore have the exact experience you need to embrace the solar bandwagon with confidence. On this page, we'll highlight Channelview's leading solar installers and give expert advice for your solar journey.

Best High-Efficiency System
4.8
  • Builds custom, high-efficiency solar systems suited to each home
  • Extensive coverage area throughout the country
  • Offers energy storage and EV charger add-ons
Most Reputable
4.4
  • Offers high-efficiency panels and storage options
  • Provides unique in-house financing options
  • Recognized as one of the most reputable solar companies
Best Solar Panel Leasing
4.4
  • Provides system monitoring
  • Offers diverse financing options for various budgets
  • Provides EV and solar battery solutions

Top Channelview Solar Companies

Astrawatt Solar Logo

Astrawatt Solar

4.7/5
Based on 66 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel InstallationTesla PowerwallPermit AssistanceConsultationBattery Storage

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Free quotes
319 Ibis St Suite A, Webster, TX 832-843-8846 astrawatt.solar
Green Mountain Energy Logo

Green Mountain Energy

4.3/5
Based on 2,599 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel Installation

Highlights

  • Reliable customer support
  • Informative resources
  • Free quotes
910 Louisiana St 22nd Floor, Houston, TX 866-785-4668 greenmountainenergy.com
Green Light Solar Logo

Green Light Solar

4.4/5
Based on 389 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel InstallationBattery Storage

Highlights

  • Reliable customer support
  • Informative resources
  • Clear pricing policy
5750 N Sam Houston Pkwy E Ste 605, Houston, TX 210-593-8433 gl.solar
SolRa Tech Logo

SolRa Tech

4.7/5
Based on 63 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel InstallationFinancing Assistance

Highlights

  • Free quotes
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Informative resources
555 W 19th St Suite 326, Houston, TX 346-562-1286 solratech.us

More Local Solar Companies

Texas Solar Outfitters

User Reviews: 4.3/5 

705 Shepherd Dr
Houston, TX 77007

Freedom Solar Power - Houston Solar Panel Installers

User Reviews: 4.8/5 

1212 N Post Oak Rd Ste 100
Houston, TX 77055

IntegrateSun

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

7055 Old Katy Rd Suite #505
Houston, TX 77024

Sunnova Energy International Inc

User Reviews: 4.2/5 

20 Greenway Plz #540
Houston, TX 77046

Ready Solar

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

5506 Mitchelldale St
Houston, TX 77092

SunIsland Energy

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

12280 Broadway St Unit 4124
Pearland, TX 77584

Obsidian Solar LLC

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

5718 Westheimer Rd Suite 1000
Houston, TX 77057

Texas Direct Solar

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

12333 Sowden Rd Ste B #20302
Houston, TX 77080

KNS Solar

User Reviews: 4.3/5 

6363 Richmond Ave. #205
Houston, TX 77057

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to determine the best Channelview solar companies.

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Facts about Channelview
Average Max Temp:79°F
Solar Payback Period:10.6 years
Average Daily Sunlight:62%
Homes Powered by Solar:1,589
Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,421
Solar Power per Capita Percentile:48.0%

Expert Tips By

This Old House empowers homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle various projects and navigate the complexities of homeownership.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

  • Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
  • Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
  • Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Channelview Homeowners?

The state of Texas offers several solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: comptroller.texas.gov

Incentive Amount:

100%

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: texasgasservice.com

Incentive Amount:

Free Equipment Program: Free appliance installation and weatherization services
Home Improvement (includes attic insulation, duct sealing, duct insulation, duct replacement, high-efficiency gas furnace, and Wi-Fi thermostat: Up to $1000
Solar Water Heater With Natural Gas Backup: $750
Tankless or Super High-efficiency Water Heater: $650
Furnace: $675
Furnace Tune-Up: $40
Natural Gas Dryer with moisture sensor: $225
Natural Gas Dryer Stub: $300

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Channelview

The price and performance of solar panels often rely on which company installed them. Consider each of these elements in your contractor 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. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Channelview

The kind of solar panels you choose dictates how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not all solar contractors offer these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

You can plan to spend about $16,650 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Channelview. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Channelview solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Solar Panel CostAverage Cost
Solar Monocrystalline$1,173
Solar Polycrystalline$915
Thin-Film$535
Solar Battery$750
Solar Home EV Charger$2,814

Financing Solar Energy in Channelview

Solar companies offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases, cash payments and solar loans. We suggest paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. We suggest working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each agent about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Solar System CapacityEstimated Payback period
1 kW2.1 years
2 kW4.2 years
5 kW10.6 years
10 kW21.2 years

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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Channelview

How much money could I save by going solar in Channelview?

On average, Channelview homeowners shell out approximately $1,421 per year on power bills. Once you repay your solar array, you could save $972.90 per kilowatt you produce.

Is solar energy widely available in Channelview?

Yes, solar energy is readily available in Channelview. A growing number of area homes already use solar power on-site or through utility grids, and Texas has about 10261 jobs making up its solar economy.

Will solar energy systems increase my Channelview home value?

Yes, new solar systems mean higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could boost your property value by $12,000.

How can I check my site's solar viability?

One common way to find your home's solar viability is by using PVWatts. This free, powerful tool considers system size, panel efficiency, tree cover, and local weather and topography to determine how much power your array could generate. However, it's not a substitute for consulting with a solar expert, who can create a full estimate with the most updated data.

How do I care for my new solar system?

To protect your solar system's efficiency, inspections and cleanings every six months are usually enough. In dry or dusty seasons, your panels might need cleanings every one to two months. Your contractor can recommend a maintenance schedule. Its team could also tackle the cleaning for you.

What is the average payback period for Channelview solar panels?

Most Channelview homeowners pay back a solar loan in 12.0 years. You can shorten the payback period by paying off extra loan principal each month.

What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?

A PPA is an agreement between you and your contractor. They set up, own, and care for the panels, and you purchase the generated electricity from them for 10–25 years. There will usually be options to buy out early to own your system and extend the agreement.

In contrast, solar loans can come from installer, specialty lenders, local banks and the government. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are larger, and you'll be responsible for upkeep, you'll also have full ownership rights and can apply for many more benefits.

Should I get quotes from multiple Channelview solar companies?

It's smart to gather at least three different estimates before committing to a single solar installer. This lets you evaluate pricing, product quality, customer feedback, and warranty options. It also lets you gauge a provider's knowledge, reliability and responsiveness, all of which are positive signs.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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