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Updated: Nov 27, 2024, 3:29am
Reviewed By
| EditorThe solar energy industry in Texas is thriving, with the SEIA ranking the state second in the nation in 2022 for total solar capacity installed. Texas is also home to the fastest-growing solar market, thanks to a combination of its hot, sunny climate and a variety of available solar incentives at the local level.
We at the Forbes team have analyzed dozens of the more than 454 installers operating in the state, both a range of local and nationwide solar providers and have chosen SunPower, Tesla and Palmetto as the best solar companies in Texas.
EDITOR’S NOTE: While SunPower made our 2024 ranking, the company announced in July 2024 that it will be ramping down residential sales past July. All facts and figures were correct at the time of ranking.
The Forbes Home team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use data and expert advice to inform all of our content. Plus, our advisory board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the solar companies methodology for the ratings below.
Featured Partners
1
Green Home Systems
BBB Grade
Not accredited
Financing Options
Full purchase and loan
Number of States Covered
21
2
Blue Raven Solar
BBB
A+
Financing Options
$0 upfront for 18 months
Number of States Covered
21
3
Momentum Solar
BBB Grade
A+
Financing Options
Purchase, loan
Number of States Covered
10
Key Takeaways
The solar installers SunPower, Tesla and Palmetto Solar top our best solar companies in list. SunPower scored 4.8 out of 5 stars when reviewed against our methodology and leads the pack in terms of overall value. It provides top-quality solar equipment with a single, straightforward contract and 25-year warranty.
We compared the ratings and costs of Texas solar panel companies after completing our research and analysis across criteria including services, equipment, reputation and price.
| COMPANY | FORBES HOME RATING | BEST FOR | BBB RATING | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.8   | Overall | A+ | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.6  | Availability | A+ | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.2  | Solar Equipment | A+ | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.0 | Warranty Coverage | A+ | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.0 | Curb Appeal | Not rated | From Participating Partners | |
| 3.9 | Panel Options | A+ | From Participating Partners | |
| 3.8 | Financing | A+ | From Participating Partners | |
| 3.7 | Local Service | A+ | From Participating Partners |
*Coverage varies by zip code.
Best Overall
Best Overall
SunPower
We picked SunPower as the best overall solar company in Texas. Founded in 1985, this national provider manufactures and installs high-efficiency panels and battery systems that are top-rated in the industry. Efficiency goes far in Texas, where sunny days are more common than not. Great products and communication have earned SunPower a current A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
SunPower is a leader in the national solar market with more than 1,000 patents for the solar technology that it manufactures itself. The company offers a user-friendly mobile app for full control of all your solar system components to keep you informed about your usage and production.
Why We Like It
We like that SunPower’s solar panels are among the most efficient on the market. Paired with the company’s 25-year warranty on performance, Texas homeowners who want to get into solar can get great value from a SunPower system. The company also employs its own installers.
What We Don’t Like
Because SunPower installs proprietary equipment with its own labor, its prices tend to be higher than average. We’ve also noted some negative customer reviews that cite communication issues when it comes to scheduling repairs.
Who It’s Best For
SunPower is best for Texans who want to keep things simple when it comes to solar energy. SunPower offers one contract and one industry-leading warranty.
Learn more: SunPower review
SunPower accepts cash, solar leases and solar loans. It also offers zero-down financing. Services offered by SunPower include:
SunPower boasts an A+ rating and accreditation with the BBB, and the majority of its online reviews are positive. Customers mention their satisfaction with system performance and overall service. However, there are also negative reviews that point out issues with communication when repairs are needed.
Best Availability
Best Availability
Tesla
Tesla is our pick for the Texas solar company with the best availability. It hires third-party installers to provide service to Texans no matter where they live in the state. Founded in 2006, Tesla is now one of the largest tech companies in the U.S., disrupting the solar industry with proprietary technology like its solar shingles and tiles.
Tesla is a well-known name in technology, and the solar side of its business offers competitive prices and its own unique line of products, including one of the best solar batteries on the market: the Tesla Powerwall battery.
Why We Like It
We appreciate Tesla’s price matching program, which makes its pricing extremely competitive with other companies operating in Texas. It also offers solar roofing, which replaces a traditional roof with low-profile solar shingles and helps avoid the need for bulky, obvious solar panels.
What We Don’t Like
We deducted points because Tesla solar systems are only available via third party installation. Tesla doesn’t operate its own physical stores and doesn’t employ its own technicians. It also only offers a 10-year warranty, which is short compared to the industry standard of 25 years.
Who It’s Best For
Tesla is best for Texans who want to install a low-profile solar roof rather than traditional panels. The company is also ideal for those who want to avoid high upfront costs, since its price matching policy keeps installation prices down.
Learn more: Tesla Solar Review
Payment options accepted by Tesla include cash, solar loans, solar leases, and PPAs. It also offers price matching for solar equipment. Tesla services include:
Tesla’s online reviews mention positive service experiences and the high quality of its solar equipment. However, many reviews also report negative experiences regarding communication. This variation in opinion of its service may be due to the use of different third-party installers depending on where customers live.
Best Solar Equipment
Best Solar Equipment
Palmetto Solar
We picked Palmetto Solar as the Texas solar company with the best solar equipment. It carries a wide selection of solar panel systems from premium brands and holds an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB. Palmetto Solar has been in business for more than 13 years and offers great customer service and several financing options for Texas homeowners.
We chose Palmetto Solar for its wide range of solar equipment, which come from industry-leading brands including Hanwha, REC, Sonnen and SolarEdge. It’s also a great company for those seeking to lease panels due to its PPA plan.
Why We Like It
Palmetto Solar excels at customization. All of its system design, installation, and maintenance is done in-house. It also offers an all-in-one, easy-to-use app to pay bills, monitor production and usage or contact customer service.
What We Don’t Like
Despite the convenience of its app, Palmetto Solar charges a monthly fee for active monitoring. Additionally, its start cost of $350 for maintenance and repairs is exceedingly higher than the industry average.
Who It’s Best For
Palmetto Solar is ideal for those who want a fully custom solar system. Texans can mix and match high-quality equipment from industry-leading brands. Palmetto is also a great option for those who would prefer to lease their equipment over buying it outright.
Learn more: Palmetto Solar review
Palmetto Solar offers several financing options, including cash, leasing, loans, and its own PPA plan. Services provided include:
Palmetto Solar has an A+ rating with the BBB. Some customer reviews mention that it can take the company a while to repair or replace damaged panels, but most cite clear, thorough communication throughout the installation process. Palmetto Solar is also responsive when it comes to following up with reviews.
Best Warranty Coverage
Best Warranty Coverage
Elevation Solar
Elevation Solar is our pick for the best warranty coverage on solar panels in Texas. It offers a 30-year warranty on equipment and workmanship for LG and Panasonic solar panels, which is five years longer than almost any competitor. This relatively young company was founded in 2014 and Texas is one of only a few states in which it operates.
Elevation Solar is part of the larger company Elevated Home, which is dedicated to whole-home automation. It made our list of Texas solar providers for its excellent features and wide variety of products.
Why We Like It
Elevation Solar starts every installation with a whole-home energy audit. The company uses this audit to design and install a custom solar system suited to the exact needs of every Texas home.
What We Don’t Like
Elevation Solar doesn’t offer solar leasing, which may be a deal breaker for some. Additionally, it has a short history since it’s only been in business since 2014, making it a slightly riskier choice than other longstanding competitors in Texas.
Who It’s Best For
Elevation Solar is ideal for those who want to maximize their home’s energy efficiency. The company will audit your home and work with you on whole-home solutions.
Learn more: Elevation Solar review
Texans can purchase an Elevation Solar system with cash or by financing with a solar loan. Elevation Solar’s services include:
Elevation Solar has an A+ rating and accreditation with the BBB. Customer reviews describe the company as trustworthy and dependable, with a track record of responding promptly to service issues and honoring its warranties. Negative reviews cite issues with scheduling service, which may be because the company relies on subcontractors for some of its services.
Best for Curb Appeal
Best for Curb Appeal
Green Home Systems
We recommend Green Home Systems for customers who want to go solar but preserve their home’s curb appeal. Founded in 2017, Green Home Systems is one of the very few solar providers that specialize in solar roofing shingles, a technological advancement that harnesses solar power while doubling as a roofing material.
Green Home Systems stands out for its Apollo II solar roofing system and the selection of top brands it carries for traditional solar panels.
Why We Like It
Few other solar installers in Texas offer solar roofing, which is a more discreet alternative to traditional solar panels. Green Home Systems also provides 25-year warranty coverage on production, performance and workmanship for both roofing and traditional panel options.
What We Don’t Like
Green Home Systems has a limited selection of equipment and doesn’t offer solar leasing or PPAs as financing options. It also receives mixed customer reviews online, in part due to variation in service because it outsources some services to third-party contractors.
Who It’s Best For
Texas homeowners who want to preserve their home’s curb appeal but still take advantage of the financial and environmental benefits of solar energy will appreciate Green Home Systems’ solar roofing. For those who prefer traditional panels, the company offers high-quality equipment and warranties.
Learn more: Green Home Systems review
Green Energy Systems accepts cash or solar loans but doesn’t offer solar leasing or PPAs. Its services include:
Online reviews for Green Home Systems are mostly positive, with customers praising the helpful salespeople and technicians that walk you through each step of the installation process. Some mixed reviews, however, comment on delays in getting their systems installed, with months sometimes elapsing from the time of signing until the day of installation.
Best Variety of Panel Options
Best Variety of Panel Options
Momentum Solar
We recommend Momentum Solar for Texas solar customers who want a variety of options when it comes to choosing solar equipment. The company, which has been in business since 2009, sources panels from just about any top-tier manufacturer of monocrystalline panels. This gives customers the option to choose their preferred brands based on cost and efficiency.
Momentum Solar offers a wide variety of solar panels, microinverters, and batteries from various different industry-leading manufacturers. This, coupled with its range of payment offerings, gives Texans more customization options than practically any other solar installer in the state.
Why We Like It
Momentum Solar partners with the manufacturer Enphase to provide top-performing equipment and a high-quality app for performance monitoring. However, no matter what equipment you choose, it’ll be backed by Momentum’s 25-year warranties.
What We Don’t Like
Momentum Solar suffers from some customer service issues due to variation in local installers. Its pricing also isn’t as competitive as many of the other providers on this list.
Who It’s Best For
For Texans who want high-efficiency panels and a user-friendly mobile app experience, Momentum Solar is a great provider with solid warranty coverage.
Learn more: Momentum Solar Review
When it comes to financing, Momentum Solar focuses primarily on PPAs. However, iit also accepts cash, loans and leases like most major providers. Its services include:
Momentum Solar has an A+ rating with the BBB, but its customer reviews online are mixed. Positive reviews tend to mention good experiences with low prices and a friendly sales team. However, negative reviews report issues with delays in scheduling and completing installation and a lag in response time when reaching out to customer service.
Best Financing
Best Financing
Sunrun
Sunrun is our pick for Texans who want to lease solar equipment and avoid large upfront purchase costs. Sunrun specializes in solar panel leasing, providing customers with a zero-down payment option and fixed monthly fees. Sunrun is one of the largest solar providers in the country with 35 years of experience, and it has an A+ rating with the BBB.
Sunrun is a top contender in terms of financing options for solar panels. It offers all major purchasing options with additional customizations and add-ons to incentivize homeowners and help them get the maximum benefit from their solar systems.
Why We Like It
Sunrun offers several unique partnerships, such as Ford F-150 Lightning home integration and Sunrun Shift non-backup batteries. These perks can help homeowners power their homes during outages and in the evenings to avoid peak rates. Sunrun’s leasing options are also great, with zero down payments and no-cost maintenance plans.
What We Don’t Like
We don’t like Sunrun’s high upfront costs, or that its longer warranty options require an additional fee. The company also has very mixed customer reviews.
Who It’s Best For
Sunrun is ideal for Texans seeking to lease solar panels since it offers additional perks specifically for leasing. Potential customers should also review the company’s partnerships to see which ones they may be able to take advantage of.
Learn more: Sunrun review
Sunrun accepts all major payment options, including cash, solar loans, solar leases and PPAs. Its leases and PPAs are available with a zero-down payment option. Sunrun’s services include:
Sunrun has mixed reviews online, many of which cite customer service issues resulting from payment processing problems and difficulty reaching management when needed. However, many customers have shared positive experiences as well. They report that Sunrun’s panels offer great performance and significant energy savings. Many customers also praise Sunrun’s zero-down installation policy.
Best Local Service
Best Local Service
Longhorn Solar
Longhorn Solar is our pick for Texans who want hyper-local solar service and expertise. Founded in Round Rock in 2009 and servicing the Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio metros, Longhorn Solar is familiar with the needs of Texans, the logistics of solar in the Lone Star state, and the local policies and solar incentives where it serves.
Longhorn Solar represents the best in Texas-specific solar installation and service. It’s known for its local expertise, good customer service, and regular customer satisfaction check-ins.
Why We Like It
We like that Longhorn Solar is well-rated in the areas it serves. Its representatives are experts in state and local solar policy, which gives it a leg up when it comes to providing service in Texas. It backs all of its equipment, production and workmanship with 25-year warranty protection.
What We Don’t Like
The biggest drawback of Longhorn Solar is that it’s only available in and around Texas’s four largest metro regions. It doesn’t offer solar leases or PPAs, and some customers have reported delays when it comes to their scheduled installations.
Who It’s Best For
Longhorn Solar is best for Texans in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston or San Antonio who want a local provider. The company’s representatives can help you navigate and file for federal, state and local incentives in your metro area.
Longhorn Solar only accepts cash and solar loans as forms of payment. Its services include:
Positive reviews for Longhorn Solar emphasize an excellent sales experience and strong local service. However, negative reviews cite installation delays of several weeks after signing a contract with the company.
Texas has an unregulated energy market, meaning utility rates fluctuate drastically with demand. Since Texas is also the state with the highest energy consumption rates in the country, prices tend to skyrocket in the summer months when homes and businesses rely more heavily on air conditioning to offset the Texas heat.
With that in mind, Texans looking to go solar should look for whole-home solutions that increase their independence from the grid. That includes high-efficiency panels, robust solar batteries and storage systems, energy efficiency audits and assistance with finding and applying for federal, state and local solar incentives. All of these measures can help Texans save on solar installation and pay off their systems more quickly to get the best return on their investment.
Other attributes to look for include:
Local Solar Companies By City
As you search for a solar installer, keep the following factors in mind to compare providers and find the best fit for your needs:
The best solar company for you will come down to your unique needs, budget and situation. Take your time as you research providers and be sure to get multiple quotes before making an investment.
The average cost to install a 6-kilowatt solar system in Texas is $16,320. However, Texas homeowners who take advantage of the 30% federal solar tax credit will only pay an average of $11,430. The cost of solar panels in Texas varies depending on the size of the system you need, your roof layout, the type of panels you choose and which company you hire for the job.
| SOLAR SYSTEM SIZE | AVERAGE ANNUAL SYSTEM OUTPUT* (KWH) | AVERAGE COST BEFORE FEDERAL TAX CREDIT | AVERAGE COST AFTER FEDERAL TAX CREDIT (30%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6kW | 8,000 – 10,000 | $16,320 | $11,430 |
| 8kW | 10,500 – 13,300 | $21,760 | $15,232 |
| 10kW | 13,300 – 16,700 | $27,200 | $19,040 |
| 12kW | 16,000 – 20,000 | $32,700 | $22,890 |
There are few statewide solar incentives in Texas. However, depending on where they live within the state, Texans may be eligible for a variety of incentives that can make solar installation more affordable.
| INCENTIVE | DESCRIPTION | TYPE | OCCURRENCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Solar Tax Credit | 30% credit for solar owners in the U.S. | Tax Credit | One-time |
| Net Metering | Solar owners in some jurisdictions receive credits for excess energy production | Net Metering | Ongoing when available |
| Solar Energy System Property Tax Exemption | Property taxes don’t increase when solar panels increase home value | Tax Exemption | Ongoing |
U.S. solar owners who purchase their panels with cash or a loan may be eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit. This incentive gives homeowners a one-time 30% credit on the total cost of their solar system if they purchase and put it into use between 2022 and 2032.
Net metering is not mandated in Texas. Instead, some local governments and utilities across the state offer their own net metering programs to credit their solar-owning residents for excess energy production. Texans can use these credits to purchase electricity when their systems aren’t meeting their electricity needs, such as at night or during overcast weather. Utility companies that offer net metering include, but aren’t limited to:
Depending on where you live, you may be able to take advantage of these other solar incentives in Texas.
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Solar panels may be worth it for many Texas homeowners considering the energy market in the state. According to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Texas consumes more electricity than any other U.S. state, so homeowners stand to save money by generating their own energy rather than purchasing it from the traditional grid. The state receives around 204 annual days of sunshine, enough to generate a significant amount of solar energy.
Meanwhile, the SEIA reports that Texas ranks first in industry growth across the nation. Solar installation prices have fallen by 42% over the past decade, the state is poised for continued growth as policy makes it easier for new providers to enter the market.
To determine whether solar panels are worth it for your home in Texas, you can do the math to calculate your potential return on investment. For example, the average amount of time it takes to break even on the cost of solar panel installation in Texas is about 5.97 years. Then, take into account that the average average Texas home uses about 1,131.93 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy per month at a rate of 13.53 ¢/kWh.
Assuming the home’s electricity usage is entirely covered by solar energy, then after less than six years, the average Texas solar owner saves about $1,840 per year on their energy bills.
| TEXAS SOLAR SAVINGS: CALCULATING THE BREAK EVEN POINT | |
|---|---|
| Average Cost of 6kW Solar System w/Installation | $16,320 |
| Texas Incentives (30%) | $4,896 |
| Estimated System Cost (inc. Incentives) | $11,424 |
| Break Even Period | 5.97 years |
| 20-Year Savings | $25,785 |
| 25-Year Savings | $34,975 |
Forbes Home has thoroughly researched the U.S. solar industry, conducting surveys to collect and report on the most up-to-date data. We conducted a solar survey of 1,000 people in 2023 and looked at consumer trends and customer satisfaction with their home solar systems.
According to our survey, nearly 70% of solar owners in the Southwest U.S. installed their panels within the last one to three years. Roughly 93% of that group are considering expanding and upgrading their solar panel systems by adding additional panels in the future.
The SEIA ranks Texas second out of all U.S. states for total solar capacity installed as of 2022. There are nearly 650 companies manufacturing, installing or otherwise supporting the solar industry in Texas alone. The Texas solar industry is also growing faster than any other state’s, with 5.51% of all electricity production coming from solar sources.
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To determine the best solar company ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 26 major companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including years in business, equipment options, app and customer reviews and support, nationwide availability, price and warranty, product specifications and features.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates solar companies in our detailed methodology page.
Solar panels may increase your home value in Texas. The 2024 median home price in Texas is $348,000. A recent study by Zillow found that a home with solar is worth an average of about 4% more than a home without it. Because Texas also offers a property tax exemption on the added value of a home after installing a new solar panel system, the potential increase in home value from solar panels in Texas may be significant for many homeowners.
The average cost for solar panels in Texas is $2.17 per watt without factoring in the cost of installation labor. With labor included, expect to pay an average of $2.72 per watt or about $16,320 for a 6-kilowatt solar system. That cost falls to just $11,430 on average when Texas homeowners take advantage of the 30% federal solar investment tax credit.
Net metering is available in Texas, but it isn’t mandated at the state level. Instead, utility companies in certain municipalities may offer their own net metering programs. The terms for these programs vary depending on where you live and who sells energy in your local area, so talk to your solar company to learn more about the options you have to maximize solar savings.
Geraldine has over a decade of experience writing within the home improvement sector. Additionally, she has unique first-hand renovation experience as the previous owner of a house-flipping business.
Kristin is a deputy editor at Forbes Home and has nearly a decade of professional experience as a writer and editor. She's previously worked at sites like Talking Points Memo, Insider, Delish, Angi and HomeAdvisor. She has a passion for lifestyle topics and has extensive experience researching and reporting on topics that will help make your house a home.
