Best 5 Solar Companies in Temple, TX

With Temple's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an ideal area for homeowners and businesses seeking to harness the extra sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $910 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. In this guide, we'll highlight Temple's best solar providers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

We analyzed a multitude of Temple solar companies, using the following criteria to choose the top-notch:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Certifications and credentials: Each installer 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 Temple community for over 15 years.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Temple solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.

• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
• Smaller power bills: Producing some or all of your own power will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that allow you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Temple Homeowners?

Texas homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for reimbursements, special financing, tax credits and rebates. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Temple

The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often depend on which company mounted them. Consider each of these elements in your business 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 respected 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 Temple

Your solar modules' type will impact how much electricity 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 battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar contractor offers these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Temple

Choosing the optimal financing plan will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, loans, and leases. 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce 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 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 advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in specific circumstances. Ask each business you're considering about the financing options it offers. A representative can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.

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

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

Sources

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