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Best 5 Solar Companies in Pasadena, TX

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

Pasadena homeowners are lucky to live in plentiful sunlight, both to bask in and harness as energy. Many are hiring top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $970 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installer can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. In this guide, we'll show you Pasadena's best solar installers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the right one for your home.

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 Pasadena Solar Companies

Green Mountain Energy Logo

Green Mountain Energy

4.3/5
Based on 2,599 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel Installation

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Reliable customer support
  • Clear pricing policy
910 Louisiana St 22nd Floor, Houston, TX 866-785-4668 greenmountainenergy.com
Astrawatt Solar Logo

Astrawatt Solar

4.7/5
Based on 66 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Permit AssistanceBattery StorageConsultationTesla PowerwallPanel Installation

Highlights

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

SolRa Tech

4.7/5
Based on 63 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel InstallationFinancing Assistance

Highlights

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

Texas Solar Outfitters

4.3/5
Based on 57 customer reviews.

Services Offered

ConsultationBattery StorageFinancing AssistancePanel InstallationCleaning And MaintenancePermit Assistance

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Prompt service delivery
  • Reliable customer support
705 Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 713-802-0223 texassolaroutfitters.com

More Local Solar Companies

SunIsland Energy

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

12280 Broadway St Unit 4124
Pearland, TX 77584

Sunnova Energy International Inc

User Reviews: 4.2/5 

20 Greenway Plz #540
Houston, TX 77046

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

Obsidian Solar LLC

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

5718 Westheimer Rd Suite 1000
Houston, TX 77057

Awake Solar

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

6911 Brasada Dr
Houston, TX 77085

KNS Solar

User Reviews: 4.3/5 

6363 Richmond Ave. #205
Houston, TX 77057

Ready Solar

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

5506 Mitchelldale St
Houston, TX 77092

Green Light Solar

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

5750 N Sam Houston Pkwy E STE 605
Houston, TX 77032

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 has meticulously studied dozens of solar providers near Pasadena, with emphasis on the following criteria:

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Facts about Pasadena
Average Max Temp:79°F
Solar Payback Period:10.6 years
Average Daily Sunlight:62%
Homes Powered by Solar:5,517
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 numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

  • Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
  • Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems work through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the power grid for your safety and comfort.
  • Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by creating 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 Pasadena Homeowners?

The state of Texas offers numerous solar incentives to help cut your solar system costs. Here is 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 Pasadena

The more informed your company research is, the better your solar panels will ultimately operate. Consider all of these factors in your business 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 industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Pasadena

Your solar modules' type will influence how much energy you can produce. 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.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar providers include these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.

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

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 Pasadena

Choosing the optimal financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements, and leases. We suggest paying with cash 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut 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 monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We advise working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.

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

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

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 Pasadena

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

On average, Pasadena homeowners spend around $1,421 per year on energy bills. Once you repay your solar array, you could reduce your costs by $972.90 per kilowatt you produce.

How prevalent is solar energy in Pasadena?

Yes, solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in Pasadena. Some homes already generate solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're supported by a state solar economy with 10261 job opportunities and counting.

Will solar energy systems improve my Pasadena home price?

Yes, new solar systems translate to 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 increase your home's value by $12,000.

What if I live in a gloomy or heavily-wooded

Even if your property has high tree cover, you could still take advantage of solar energy. Your installer will enhance your system's performance by choosing the proper site for panels, installing a battery backup system, cleaning them regularly, and positioning them to capture the most sunlight throughout the year. This way, you can keep solar energy longer and use it as necessary.

What's a Pasadena solar panel's average lifespan?

Today's solar systems are incredibly durable, lasting up to 25 years. Monocrystalline panels and other top-tier models tend to last longer than less expensive models.

What is the average payback period for Pasadena solar panels?

The average payback period for a solar loan in Pasadena is 12.0 years. By paying off extra principal each month, you can shorten the payback period and own your system faster.

How are a solar lease and PPA different?

Choosing a lease means your solar installer will handle panel maintenance while you make fixed monthly payments. PPAs differ slightly because you pay based on the electricity you produce.

You don't own the panels with either option, though you can choose to "buy out" of the contract for a fee.

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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