Best 5 Solar Companies in The Colony, TX

The Colony homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to generate energy and heat their water. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $940 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional technician can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll highlight The Colony's best solar companies and offer expert advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to determine the best The Colony solar companies.

• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most The Colony solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the The Colony community for a decade or longer.
• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the grid for your safety and comfort.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the expensive cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on fossil fuels.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to The Colony 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 The Colony

The more thorough your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately function. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in The Colony

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not every solar company provides these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.

A majority of The Colony homeowners select solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $16,650 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in The Colony

Solar providers use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, cash payments, solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). 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 good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you rent 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 don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for companies that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

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

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.

Sources

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