Freedom Solar is the top choice among solar companies in Texas thanks to its comprehensive 25-year warranty. Texas is now the second-ranked solar market in the U.S., with installations dramatically increasing over the last ten years, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). This boom is driven by various solar incentives, federal tax credits, and rising electricity costs. With sunny skies and an average of 83 clear days annually, Texas is a prime location for solar savings.
Our research team evaluated top solar panel providers nationwide, assessing product quality, warranty coverage, and customer service. We consulted industry experts and even posed as potential customers to gauge the overall experience with each company.
This guide examines the advantages and potential drawbacks of the best solar companies serving the Lone Star State.
Compare Solar Companies Across Texas
Top Solar Panel Installation Companies in Texas
These are our top picks for solar companies in Texas based on our extensive research.
- Freedom Solar Power: Most Complete Warranty
- LGCY Power: Best Solar Consultation
Our Top Solar Company Picks for Texas
Freedom Solar Power
Freedom Solar Polar is a SunPower Master Dealer that provides high-efficiency solar systems. The company has 17 years of solar industry experience and partnerships with certified installers. It’s one of the few solar companies to offer grid-tied, ground-mount, carport, and off-grid solar solutions.
Nearly 7% of our survey respondents chose Freedom Solar Power for their installation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers rooftop, ground-mount, carport, and off-grid installations
- Provides preconstruction consultations with its home contractors
- Works with SunPower to install high-efficiency solar systems
Cons
- Called out for underperforming solar systems in customer reviews
- Covers a limited service area
- Doesn’t offer many system customizations
How We Scored Freedom Solar
Freedom Solar scored 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. The company earned most of its points because of its comprehensive warranty coverage and reputable customer service. Its biggest drawback is its basic service selection.
- Solar Equipment and Services (16 out of 25 points): Freedom Solar has minimal service options compared to companies such as Elevation or ADT Solar. It offers solar panel and battery installation with active monitoring, but that’s it. We do like that it provides in-house installers to do the work.
- Warranty and Performance Guarantees (22 out of 25 points): Freedom Solar received many points for its 25-year warranty, which covers panels, workmanship, and performance.
- Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (14 out of 15 points): The company has a highly positive online reputation, including a strong BBB rating and accreditation, positive customer reviews, and no alerts or active lawsuits.
- Financing Options (10.5 out of 15 points): Freedom Solar only offers cash purchases and loan options with no in-house financing.
- Industry Experience (9 out of 10 points): The company holds 17 years of experience in the residential solar industry.
- State Availability (6 out of 10 points): Freedom Solar limits its service area to five states.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
Freedom Solar provides a comprehensive 25-year warranty covering product, workmanship, and panel performance.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
State Availability
Available in: Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.
Reputation and Reviews
Freedom Solar made Inc.’s Regionals 2023: Southwest list for the fastest-growing private companies in America. Solar Power World chose the company as a Top Solar Contractor nine times.
Freedom Solar is BBB accredited and holds an A+ rating from the organization. The company has many positive reviews on its BBB profile for its consistent installation updates and well-trained staff. However, negative reviews highlight issues reaching customer service.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Certified partner of Sunrun, one of the largest U.S. solar companies
- Hands-on, guided installation process from start to finish
- Library of informative blogs and solar power guides
Cons
- Limited website details on offered solar products
- Some customer reviews noted customer support communication issues
- Varying product warranty lengths, depending on equipment
Why We Chose LGCY Power
LGCY Power offers a thorough solar consultation process, helping customers build the best custom system for their home. Customers receive a dedicated energy consultation that guides them through the solar panel installation. Its team also assists with applying for solar incentives, helping homeowners lower their solar panel costs. Its website includes guides and blogs on solar energy systems, financing options, and other solar-related topics.
The company works with Sunrun as a certified partner, offering its catalog of high-quality solar panels, inverters, and solar batteries. LGCY includes manufacturer and workmanship warranties. However, warranty length varies between products. LGCY also offers its customers ongoing system maintenance and 24-hour monitoring.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
LGCY offers product, inverter, and workmanship warranties. However, warranty length varies between its products.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPAs
Reputation and Awards
LGCY ranked No. 17 on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list for the Rocky Mountain region. The company also ranked in 2019, 2021, and 2022. Utah Business recognized LGCY on its 2019 Fast 50 list as one of the state’s fastest-growing companies.
The company holds an A rating from the BBB and is accredited by the organization. While reading customer reviews, we learned that customers appreciated having a dedicated project manager and praised the company’s informed consultants. However, several people mentioned customer service communication issues.
How Can You Save Money on Solar Panel Installation in Texas?
The SEIA predicts that Texas will rank No. 1 in solar installations within the next five years. Cost-saving solar incentives throughout the state have made this unprecedented growth possible.
Solar incentives in Texas are often available on a local level. Below are a few of the ways homeowners in Texas can save money.
- Texas State Tax Exemption: Installing solar panels increases your home’s value. This would typically raise your property taxes, but Texas’s Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption protects customers from paying these additional taxes.
- Federal Solar Tax Credit: Any Texas homeowner who owns a solar energy system qualifies for the federal solar tax credit. This means you can claim 30% of your total solar installation costs on your federal taxes. The credit also applies to solar battery installations. Note that the federal tax credit is not a rebate or cash payment. Instead, it helps to reduce or eliminate your owed federal taxes at tax time.
- Solar Buyback Programs: Homeowners in Texas can participate in solar buyback programs through several utility companies in the state. These programs mimic net-metering programs, offering credits on your utility bills for the excess energy you sell back. These programs don’t have universal regulations, so their terms and payments vary greatly. For example, some buyback plans cap your earned credits each month, while others allow unlimited earnings. It’s essential to review and understand each program’s terms. Below is a list of some utility companies in Texas that participate in these programs:
- Solar Rebate Programs: These one-time rebates are available through utility companies and certain cities and local governments. The rebate amounts vary among programs but could be as high as $2,500. Here are a few of the rebate programs available for homeowners. You can find a complete list of the Texas solar buyback and rebate programs on the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE).
- Austin Energy
- CPS Energy
- City of Denton
- City of San Marcos
- City Sunset Valley
What Is the Average Cost of Solar Panels in Texas?
The cost of solar panels in Texas falls just under the national average of $15,960 for a standard 6-kilowatt (kW) system.* Texas homeowners pay an average of $14,820 for a system of this size. Applying the federal solar tax credit would reduce this price by $4,446 for a total of $10,374.
*According to 2023 data from EcoWatch
What Should You Look For in a Solar Company in Texas?
Ensure you’re dealing with a quality solar company by considering the following.
Solar Services
Look for solar companies that offer other services in addition to solar panel installation. For example, many companies also offer solar battery installation or provide active system monitoring for ongoing support. A company that offers these additional services is committed to ensuring you get the most from your solar system.
Warranties
We recommend looking for companies that offer a 25-year equipment/manufacturer warranty. Solar panels last an average of 25 years, so this warranty ensures they’re protected throughout their lifetime. We also recommend looking for providers that include a workmanship or labor warranty to cover any issues stemming from improper installation. Some solar companies include power performance guarantees that promise a certain power output level for a particular time frame. A power performance warranty is a marker of a high-quality solar company.
Payment Options
We recommend purchasing solar panels in cash or taking out a solar loan. These financing options provide the best return on investment (ROI), make you the system owner, and qualify you for federal and state solar incentives. Keep in mind that while a loan will reduce your upfront investment, you’ll pay more in total due to interest rates.
Solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) offer fewer financial advantages because the solar company remains the system owner, so you can’t qualify for solar incentives. We only recommend these payment options if you want to generate clean energy and care less about the long-term financial incentives of solar energy.
Customer Support
Consider solar companies that provide various ways to contact customer support, including phone, email, and an online chat or service form. If the company offers educational materials online, such as an online blog or videos, it likely cares about keeping you knowledgeable and informed. Also, check if the company offers emergency repairs or ongoing system maintenance.
What Is the Solar Quote Process in Texas?
Getting a free solar quote in Texas is simple. You can follow the steps below.
- Contact the solar company: Contact the solar company online or by phone. You’ll need to provide your address for confirmation. Then, you’ll set up a time for a consultation, either in-person or virtually, so the company can begin the design process.
- Assess your energy needs: During the virtual or in-person consultation, you’ll provide your monthly energy bills to help determine your needed system size and power. We recommend having at least three months of statements handy for your consultation to account for seasonal fluctuations.
- Review your home design and roof space: A company representative will assess your roof space and condition and recommend any required repairs or updates. A virtual consultation may use satellite imaging to assess your home design, but the results can be less accurate.
- Build your project: The solar company will provide a final, itemized quote with a detailed inventory of all required equipment. You can add solar batteries or electric vehicle chargers to your system if your provider offers them. Review your quote for pricing and warranty information. During this step, you’ll also discuss available financing options and local solar incentives.
What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring a Solar Company in Texas?
- Is the company licensed and insured? Use the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s (IREC) solar licensing database to confirm the solar installer holds the proper licenses to install solar panels in Texas. Additionally, ask the installer about their insurance and check with their provider.
- What type of solar panels and equipment does the company use? We recommend looking for providers that install monocrystalline solar panels and microinverters. A company that installs solar batteries is also suggested, so you won’t have to find a different company for solar storage options. Combining these three products creates the most efficient solar systems.
- What is the expected timeline for installation and maintenance? Ask your desired solar installer for an estimated project timeline. It’s common for installation to take longer than six months, as the provider will need to wait for permitting and permission to operate (PTO) from your local legislation. However, it could be shorter. Avoid the company if it seems too quick to accept your offer and install panels. Additionally, ask the company about when routine maintenance should occur and if it provides this service.
Our Conclusion
Freedom Solar is our recommendation for Texans, but we recommend requesting quotes from at least three solar companies before making a decision. Most providers offer free quotes online and should provide up-front details about costs, financing, and warranty coverage. You can also check customer reviews to gauge other homeowners’ experiences.
Other Texas Home Service Resources
FAQs About Solar Companies in Texas
What is the largest solar installer in Texas?
SunPower is the largest solar installer in Texas and in the entire United States. The company has a large service area across the Lone Star State with access to its high-end solar panels.
Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.
What is the average cost of solar panels in Texas?
The average cost of solar panels in Texas is $2.69 per watt, which is lower than the national average of $3.03. For a typical 5-kW solar system, you can expect to pay around $13,450. This price does not include additional charges such as installation costs, labor, or the cost of top-of-the-line residential solar panels. Costs will also be affected by your location and the size of your system, which must be able to support your home’s energy needs.
Are solar panels worth it in Texas?
Yes, solar panels are worth it in Texas. Between the ample sunlight, money-saving incentives and rebates, property tax exemptions, and predicted growth of solar in the next five years, Texas has become an excellent market for solar power systems.
Does Texas offer a state sales tax exemption for solar panels?
No, Texas does not offer a state sales tax exemption for solar panels. However, there is a property tax exemption for installing solar panels in Texas.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
