Best 3 Solar Companies in Victoria, TX

With Victoria's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a perfect area for families and businesses hoping to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. If you live in one of the area's numerous old homes, you might doubt your electrical system would accommodate solar panels. However, new technology and knowledgeable installers can help these homeowners access sustainable, clean power. Discover Victoria's best solar companies and learn crucial decision-making strategies on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar contractors near Victoria, emphasizing the following criteria:

• Certifications and licenses: 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 served the Victoria community for more than a decade.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Victoria solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
• Lower utility costs: Generating some or all of your own electricity will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Victoria Homeowners?

The state of Texas offers multiple solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Victoria

The more thorough your provider search is, the better your solar panels will ultimately function. Consider all of these factors in your company 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. Solar providers can also pursue certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Victoria

The style of solar panels you select decides how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

Additional system add-ons, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies provide these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $16,650 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Victoria. This table lists more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Victoria

Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar loans, solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We suggest making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the highest 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 monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only 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 a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, incentives, and rebates that could save you more money.

Sources

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