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Best 3 Solar Companies in Texarkana, TX
The best solar company in Texarkana is Solar Alternatives, Inc..
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
With Texarkana's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's a perfect area for families and businesses looking to harness the extra sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. If you're thinking about going solar, you might be concerned about high prices or long payback periods. By collaborating with a professional installer, you'll have both the financial and practical support you need for success. In this guide, we'll showcase Texarkana's best solar companies and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your residence.
3 Best Solar Companies in Texarkana
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
Solar Alternatives, Inc.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Advantage Roofing & Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
One Planet Solar & Wind LLC
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar providers near Texarkana, emphasizing the following criteria:
- Experience and professional licensure: Each installer on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Texarkana community for over 15 years.
- Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
- Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.
- Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
- Customer reviews and feedback: Most Texarkana solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
Facts about Texarkana
- Average Max Temperature:75°F
- Solar Payback Period:12 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:60%
- Homes Powered by Solar:1,337
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,416
- Solar Power per Capita:12.1%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, lowering your regular electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and well-being.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Texarkana Homeowners?
Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Website:https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/exemptions/
Incentive Amount:
100%
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:https://www.texasgasservice.com/rebate-programs/austin/residential-rebates
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:https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/ev-appliance-solar-tax-credit-calculator
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 Texarkana
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Consider each of these factors in your contractor search.
Licensing and Training
All solar energy companies 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 Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional 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 Texarkana
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar provider offers these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's a priority for you.
A majority of Texarkana homeowners select solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $16,650 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,164.64 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $908.42 |
Thin-Film | $531.08 |
Solar Battery | $745.37 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,795.14 |
Financing Solar Energy in Texarkana
There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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 allow you to use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin 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. Look for companies that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Texarkana.
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 dedicated financing plans that could save you more.
Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 2.1 years |
2 kW | 4.2 years |
5 kW | 10.6 years |
10 kW | 21.2 years |
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar in Texarkana
On average, Texarkana homeowners shell out approximately $1,416 per year on power bills. Once you pay off your solar array, you could save $940.03 per kilowatt you produce.
Yes, solar energy is reaching new heights in Texarkana. Some homes already benefit from solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're fortified by a state solar economy with 10261 workers and counting.
Yes, a solar PV system will boost your property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, for every dollar you reduce on energy bills, your home value rises by $20. So, if your panels save you $600 per year on energy costs, your property could appreciate $12,000.
Today's solar installations are incredibly durable, lasting up to 25 years. Monocrystalline panels and other high-end models tend to live longer than cheaper models.
There's no universal answer for how long a solar project might take. Ultimately, it depends on the permitting and inspection process, system size, panel style, local weather, and the necessary prework. Many homeowners can be solar-ready within two months from their initial estimate visit.
Solar panels don't need much maintenance to keep working properly. All you'll need to do is inspect and clean the panels every six months or as necessary in dusty seasons. Solar installers frequently offer maintenance packages to help you in your system's care.
To enhance your solar system's performance, you can implement the following steps:
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
The main differences between a PPA and traditional financing are that you pay a fluctuating monthly rate based on your energy usage and don't own your system. Your solar company installs and maintains the panels, and you pay for the generated electricity for 10–25 years. Afterward, you can extend the agreement or buy the system.
You might think about a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintaining your panels and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any solar financial incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other payment options above.
Sources
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