Best 5 Solar Companies in DeSoto, TX

DeSoto homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to produce their electricity and heat their water. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $970 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. In this guide, we'll showcase DeSoto's best solar installers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

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

• Experience and professional licensure: Each provider 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 DeSoto community for a decade or longer.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most DeSoto solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with 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: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the electrical grid for your safety and comfort.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. 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 DeSoto Homeowners?

Texas homeowners who go solar could qualify for rebates, special financing, reimbursements and tax credits. Here are just a few of the region's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in DeSoto

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar array. Consider each of these factors in your contractor search.

Licensing and Training

All solar contractors 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 DeSoto

Your solar panels' style will affect how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential 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 every solar company provides these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's important for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in DeSoto

Choosing the optimal financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, cash payments, and loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid 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. Like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with 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, akin to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. Look for companies that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.

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

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 rebates, discounts, and specialized financing options that could save you more.

Sources

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