Best 5 Solar Companies in Harlingen, TX

Harlingen residents are committed to conserving resources and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the best solar installers for their homes. With all the options to choose from in this concrete jungle, you might feel overwhelmed searching for an exceptional contractor. In this guide, we'll highlight Harlingen's best solar companies and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to assess the best Harlingen solar companies.

• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Harlingen community for over 15 years.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Harlingen solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your periodic electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Harlingen Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Harlingen

The cost and efficiency of solar panels often depend on which company installed them. Here are some key items to keep in mind 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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Harlingen

Your solar modules' style will impact how much power 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 are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

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 offer these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Harlingen and are considering getting 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 Harlingen

There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, and cash payments. We advise making a cash payment or securing 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 minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each company you're vetting about the payment options it offers. A team member can help you determine the most suitable option for your financial situation.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

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