We may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website. Our Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services.More

The 5 Best Solar Companies in Texas (2024 Guide)

Get a personalized solar estimate

Invalid Zip Code

Join the 10,601 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days

Author Icon By Tamara Jude + 1 other Reviewer Icon Reviewed By Roger Horowitz Updated 03/05/2024

Solar installations in Texas have steadily increased over the last 10 years; in fact, the state is currently ranked as the second-largest solar power market in the nation by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Local utility companies and cities encourage this growth through money-saving solar buyback programs and rebates. 

Our team researched the best solar energy installers in the country and narrowed down our picks for the Lone Star State. We reviewed product specifications and warranties, spoke to industry experts, and secret-shopped each provider as a customer would to determine our choices.


Compare Solar Companies Across Texas

Company Star Rating BBB Rating Location Presence Link
4.8
A+ 50 States GET QUOTE
4.4
A+ 20 States GET QUOTE
4.4
A+ 18 States GET QUOTE
4.4
A+ 12 States GET QUOTE
4.4
A 5 States GET QUOTE
4.4
A+ 19 States GET QUOTE
No results were found.

Top Solar Panel Installation Companies in Texas

These are our top five picks for solar companies in Texas based on our extensive research. 

SunPower: Best High-Efficiency System
Sunrun: Best Solar Panel Leasing
Blue Raven Solar: Most Reputable
Momentum Solar: Best Installation Process
Palmetto: Best Customer Support
Freedom Solar: Best Regional Off-Grid Installer

Our Top Solar Company Picks for Texas

SunPower

4.8

Learn more: SunPower Review

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes a comprehensive 25-year warranty on all system components Creates fully custom, in-house solar energy systems Offers solar batteries and electric vehicle (EV) chargers as add-ons Cons More expensive than other providers, according to customer reviews Limits customization to only associated brands, namely Maxeon Limits service availability by ZIP code

Why We Chose SunPower

SunPower creates some of the best-performing and highest-quality solar panels. The company uses Maxeon’s solar panels, which easily exceed 25% efficiency. SunPower pairs these panels with other in-house solar components to create a system with all parts optimized to work together.

According to our customer review analysis, SunPower costs more than other solar companies. However, investing in high-quality solar panels yields better long-term savings due to improved system performance and longevity.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty
SunPower includes a 25-year warranty covering all system components and workmanship, as well as a 92% power output production guarantee.

Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ Power purchase agreement (PPA)

Reputation and Awards

SunPower has provided high-efficiency solar panels, components, and batteries since 1985. The company has garnered an excellent reputation throughout this long history. It received PV Magazine’s 2019 Sustainability Award and Good Housekeeping’s 2022 Home Renovation Award in the Biggest Energy Savers category for its SunVault energy storage system.

SunPower is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an A+ rating from the organization. We noticed that many customers praised SunPower’s high-performing systems and resulting energy savings. However, common complaints noted high prices and difficult communication.

Sunrun

4.4

Learn more: Sunrun Review

Pros and Cons

Pros System monitoring technology to notify you of issues Diverse financing options to suit various budgets EV and solar battery solutions Cons Added costs for the same coverage plans as leased and prepaid customers Solar and battery availability vary by state Limited customer support options compared to other brands

Why We Chose Sunrun

Sunrun emphasizes solar leasing. We don’t recommend this because leasing disqualifies you from many solar tax credits and rebates. However, if a solar lease is the best financing option for you to benefit from solar energy, Sunrun is a good option. Leasing Sunrun customers receive 25-year comprehensive system coverage and ongoing maintenance. They also receive added insurance coverage for panel theft and damage.

You can upgrade your Sunrun system with solar batteries and EV chargers. Systems include solar monitoring services that track system performance and average energy use.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

Sunrun offers a 10-year comprehensive warranty with product, roof penetration, and workmanship coverage to solar loan and cash payment customers. Leasing homeowners receive an extended 25-year warranty with additional theft and damage insurance.

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPA

Reputation and Awards

Sunrun was awarded 14 awards from Comparably in 2021 and 2022. The company was recognized in several categories, including Best CEOs for Diversity and Best Company for Women.

Sunrun maintains an A+ rating with the BBB. After evaluating customer reviews, we learned that customers appreciated the comprehensive system coverage. However, some homeowners expressed frustration over Sunrun’s poor customer service and delays in installation.

Blue Raven

4.4

Pros and Cons

Pros 18 months of free solar power In-house solar financing options One of the solar industry’s most reputable companies Cons Short two-year power performance guarantee Some customer reviews mention pushy salespeople Workmanship warranty falls below the industry standard

Why We Chose Blue Raven Solar

Blue Raven Solar has been long-recognized by its peers and employees for trustworthiness and company success. Blue Raven’s in-house staff provides full-service installations. The company creates custom solar systems with leading panel brands, such as Q Cells and Silfab.

Blue Raven Solar is an excellent option for homeowners looking for the best financing options. The company’s BluePower Plus+ financing program requires little to no money down, plus five years of fixed interest rates. The company eliminates third-party lenders, creating a more simplified financing experience than other providers.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

Blue Raven Solar includes a 25-year system warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a two-year production guarantee.

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan

Reputation and Awards

Blue Raven Solar has received numerous awards from Comparably, an organization that evaluates companies’ culture and reputation. Recognitions include Best Operations Team 2022, Best Places to Work in Salt Lake City 2022, and Best Company Outlook 2022. In 2021, Blue Raven Solar placed No. 20 on Glassdoor’s Best Place to Work in the USA

The company is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating from the organization. We noted that customers praised the courteous service staff and knowledgeable installers but warned of pushy sales tactics from door-to-door salespeople.

Momentum

4.4

Momentum Solar ensures customers have an active role in the solar conversion process. The company offers frequent status updates via the Momentum App and allows customers to schedule installation appointments to fit their schedules.

Why We Chose Momentum Solar

Momentum Solar builds its solar panel systems with premium monocrystalline panels, which are the most efficient solar panels on the market. Its selection of panels includes top brands such as REC, LG, and Q Cells.

The company’s systems come with a comprehensive 25-year workmanship and equipment warranty. This includes coverage for any defects or issues caused by poor installation plus replacement parts, as needed.

Momentum provides updates to its customers throughout the installation process via the Momentum App. Customers can select specific dates for each step of the installation, giving them complete control over the project’s timeline.

Customers can also use the Momentum app to speak with the customer service team and monitor their energy consumption. The complimentary Enphase MyEnlighten app provides access to system performance, health, and inclement weather reports.

Pros and Cons
Pros Updates customers throughout the installation process via the Momentum App Provides a comprehensive 25-year workmanship and equipment warranty Offers free system maintenance and monitoring Cons Excludes pricing information from its website Doesn’t provide a performance guarantee for panels
Warranty and Financing

Warranty

✔ 25-year product warranty

✔ 25-year workmanship

 

Financing options

✔ Full purchase

✔ Loan

✔ Lease

✔ PPA

States Available

California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas

Palmetto
4.4

Learn more: Palmetto review

Pros and Cons
Pros Offers a tiered system protection plan Provides an online savings calculator to estimate your ROI Includes a 25-year panel output warranty Cons Charges a monthly fee for active system monitoring Doesn’t offer a free energy consultation Doesn’t offer leasing or PPA financing options
Why We Chose Palmetto

Palmetto offers a wide range of solar services, from comprehensive protection plans to pest abatement. It has some of the solar market’s most efficient residential panels. It also includes a 25-year system performance warranty and ongoing customer support via its app. We like the company’s commitment to customer service, which includes phone, email, and online chat options, plus an online service request portal and library of troubleshooting resources.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty
Palmetto provides a 25-year panel warranty, 12-year inverter warranty, 10-year workmanship warranty, and five-year roof penetration warranty.

Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan

Reputation and Awards

Palmetto received Solar Power World’s Most Forward-Thinking Contractor award in 2022. Inc. Magazine recognized the company with a Power Partner Award the same year. Palmetto also aims to provide solar energy to underserved communities with its Get Solar, Give Solar program.

Palmetto Solar holds accreditation with the BBB and has an A+ rating. When reading online reviews, we noticed homeowners praising Palmetto for its dedicated installation managers and quality systems.


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.

Installing solar panels increases your home’s value. This would typically raise your property taxes, but Texas’ Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption protects customers from paying these additional taxes.

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.

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:

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).


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 below.

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 up-front 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.  
  3. 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.
  4. 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 Solar Company in Texas?

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.
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.
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

We recommend SunPower and Sunrun for solar panel installation in Texas. Both companies offer some of the highest quality products to create top-performing systems. They also have demonstrated outstanding customer support, which is crucial when selecting a solar provider.

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


FAQ 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. 

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 5kW 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 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

The This Old House Reviews Team is 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.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.