How to Compare Solar Panel Installers in Texas
So you’re thinking about going solar. Living in Texas, this is a great choice – courtesy of plentiful sunshine, with some cities averaging over 300 days of sun every year! But when it comes to picking and choosing a company to help with design, installation, and maintenance of your home solar system, things get a little more complicated. How do you know that you’ve found the right partner in this venture?
In this article, we’ve put together a list of things to look for (and look out for). And if, after reading this article, you’re still looking for more tips on finding the right solar company, check out our in-depth article detailing everything that you should explore, learn, and discover. Visit How to Choose a Texas Solar Panel Installer to check it out.
How to Choose a Texas Solar Panel Installer
When choosing a solar company, verify that they are licensed, insured, and certified – a smart move with any contractor. Also, see how long they have been in business and how many homes they have served; while innovative companies are bursting onto the scene all of the time, it’s best to find one that has experience solving challenges that might arise with homes like yours.
You also want to know that they provide high quality equipment, which will perform well and last a long time. Warranties help with this – ones that cover equipment (from the manufacturer) as well as others that cover workmanship. And don’t forget to look at reviews from other customers: search for ones with 5-star ratings on Google, EnergySage, Reviews.io, Reddit, and Yelp.
Whether you choose to purchase a solar system outright, take out a loan, lease a system, or enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (where a third party developer installs and maintains the panels on your property, and you purchase the electricity generated by the panels for a set period of time), make sure that the potential provider offers the kind of financial arrangement you want.
Top Solar Installers in Texas
We’ve selected a handful of companies that meet these criteria. There are other wonderful companies out there, but these are a few that we know and trust.
Freedom Solar Power
In business since 2007, Freedom has converted more than 24,000 homeowners to solar power. They offer full purchase and loan options – including a $0 down, 0% interest option with 0 payments for 18 months. The panels that they install are of high quality and efficiency, and they have an impressive 25 year all-inclusive warranty that covers everything from equipment to workmanship. Cities served: Austin. DFW, Houston, and San Antonio.
Sunrun
Also founded in 2007, Sunrun has multiple financing options for you to buy or lease a system, take out a loan, or enter into a Power Purchase Agreement. They also have $0 down financing, and even offer protection against theft and damage to leased systems. Their work also comes with a guarantee of a comprehensive repair, maintenance, and monitoring program. Powered by smart technology and promising an unrivaled home solar and battery experience, they have served a remarkable number of homes: more than 1 million and counting. Cities served: Austin, DFW, and Houston.
Shine Solar
Since 2016, Shine Solar has garnered more than 2,000 5-star customer ratings. $0 down financing offers are available. The Shine promise is to bring you the same energy with lower payments, while enabling you to own your power, making your electric bill an asset rather than a liability. Lifetime monitoring is guaranteed, as well as a minimum production life of 25 years for your system. Shine Solar serves Frisco, McKinney, Texarkana, and Wichita Falls.
Powered by Elevation
Launched in 2014, and named an Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company and five time winner of a Department of Energy EnergyStar Contractor of the Year award, they have served more than 13,000 homes. Part of a larger company called Elevated Home, which is dedicated to whole-home automation, Powered by Elevation focuses on solar panel installation, energy audits, insulation, and duct sealing. They leverage smart technology, enabling you to check the energy efficiency of your home through an AI-powered calculator.
Momentum Solar
In 2009, Momentum started out as nothing more than a couple of guys in a garage, trying to find a way to power their massive stereo without running up their electric bills. Today they deliver concierge service, a single point of contact, and a one-stop shop from planning to installation to maintenance, including a 25 year warranty with system leases. They even offer a mobile app that monitors installation and energy production. Cities served: Austin, DFW, Houston, Irving, and San Antonio.
Red Flags to Watch Out for When Researching TX Solar Energy Companies
As you’re searching for a good fit in a solar company, here is a hit list of red flags to watch out for:
Poor customer reviews and ratings, including frequent and recent negative reviews across multiple platforms or common complaints
High-pressure sales tactics, such as sales representatives pushing for immediate decisions, promises of "limited-time offers" or discounts that require quick commitments
Lack of transparency, unclear pricing, and hidden fees not disclosed upfront, or vague answers about costs, warranties, or contract terms
Unresponsive customer service, including difficulty reaching customer support, and slow or no response to emails, calls, or service requests
Substandard equipment and use of low-quality or unrecognized brands for solar panels and inverters, as well as a lack of information about the efficiency and durability of the equipment to be installed
Inadequate or nonexistent warranties, including short-term warranties or ones that lack comprehensive coverage, no performance guarantees, or unclear warranty terms
Inconsistent or limited experience installing solar systems, few installations completed, limited experience in the industry, and a lack of certifications or training for installers
Negative reports from regulatory bodies, e.g. complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), legal actions, or penalties from regulatory authorities
Unclear financing terms, complicated or confusing financing options, high-interest rates, or unfavorable loan terms
Lack of local presence, no local office or representation in Texas, and limited knowledge of Texas-specific incentives and regulations.
FAQs
What should I look for in a solar energy company?
High quality equipment; the kind of financing, lease, or Power Purchase Agreement you want; industry experience; and excellent customer reviews.
What causes variations in pricing among solar providers?
Some factors include the cost of the panels themselves, the cost of batteries, inverters, and charge controllers, labor and more – all of which can vary in price from place to place.
What are the standard warranties and guarantees offered by solar companies?
Solar panels generally come with two warranties: The product warranty covers the equipment and generally guarantees at least 10-12 years without fail, while the power or performance warranty often guarantees at least 90% production at 10 years and 80% at 25 years
How do I find customer reviews and ratings for solar companies?
Look at reputable review sources, including Google, EnergySage, Reviews.io, Reddit, and Yelp.
How long does an average solar panel installation take from start to finish?
The actual installation only takes a few days, but the entire process can take anywhere from two to six months, due to permitting, property conditions, upgrades to the electrical system that may be necessary, potential integrations with the grid, inspections, and more. A qualified installer will be able to walk you through the process before you start.
How do I determine the best solar plan for my home?
Good old fashioned research is a great place to begin. But don’t forget Rhythm Energy’s free Solar Concierge service: we’re here to help!
