Best 5 Solar Companies in San Antonio, TX

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in San Antonio

The price and performance of solar panels often rely on the solar company that mounted them. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

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 recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed 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 San Antonio

Your photovoltaic panels' type will influence how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. 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 electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies offer these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of San Antonio and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $16,650 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in San Antonio

There are numerous ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, cash payments, and leases. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Look for installers that offer several 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 San Antonio.

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