As a fellow Texan solar enthusiast, I’m thrilled to see our state become such a shining star in clean energy! Harnessing the power of the sun just makes sense when you‘ve got over 200 sunny days a year.
But with so many solar options popping up lately, you might be wondering: how do I pick the right company to go solar with?
Well after years of studying this booming industry and even having panels on my own roof, I‘ve compiled the ultimate list of the top 7 solar providers in Texas. I‘ll tell you everything about their experience, technology, warranties – you name it!
So kick back and let this friendly neighborhood solar nerd light the way toward affordable, reliable solar…the Texas way!
Why Texas is a Solar Goldmine
We‘re sitting on a goldmine of solar potential here in the Lone Star State. Just look at a few of these stats:
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234 average sunny days per year – That‘s way more than States like Ohio at 205 days! More sun = more solar power.
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14,098 MW of installed solar capacity – Texas ranks 2nd in the country for total solar panels installed as of 2021.
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Over the next 5 years, Texas solar installations are projected to grow 139% (from 4,783 MW to 11,423 MW). That‘s some serious solar expansion!
With smart policies like the Renewable Portfolio Standard, abundant open space ideal for large utility solar farms, and the deregulated Texas power grid that promotes innovation and choice, it‘s no wonder Texas is charging ahead as a top state to go solar.
Homeowners like you are also looking to lock in lower, fixed rates for your electricity while doing some good for the environment too! Solar can help you do just that.
What to Consider in a Texas Solar Company
Now, let‘s get into the 6 crucial criteria I use to evaluate solar providers in this competitive Texas market:
1. Experience and Track Record
Mature solar companies will have more data to showcase the quality and durability of their installations over 5, 10+ year timeframes. I look for:
- 10+ years operating in Texas specifically
- Thousands of local installs already completed
- Strong ratings and reviews demonstrating customer satisfaction
This experience proves they can handle all the permitting, regulations, and inspections required to seamlessly go solar in TX.
2. High Quality Equipment & Warranties
The actual solar gear makes ALL the difference when it comes to power production. Look for Tier 1 solar modules and inverters backed by 25-year equipment and 10-year workmanship warranties. This guarantees your system performance.
3. Customized System Design
With your specific roof size, angles, electrical setup and usage needs in mind, your solar company should design a tailored system to maximize savings. Bigger isn‘t always better when solar systems have so many variables.
4. Variety of Financing Options
Owning your system outright is ideal, but I understand not everyone can swing that. Top solar installers offer creative financing options like $0 down solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and solar leases to spread costs over time.
5. Battery Storage Add-Ons
With grid reliability issues plaguing Texas lately, I always ask companies about home solar battery options to store your excess solar energy for when you need it most.
6. Stellar Customer Service
You want a supportive team by your side before, during AND after install. Slow response times or unclear answers are red flags. You deserve better!
Now let‘s explore my top Texas solar company picks using these criteria…
My Picks for the 7 Best Solar Companies in Texas
I scoured public data, reached out to contacts at various installers, and tapped my first-hand knowledge working in renewable energy technology to compile this list of my top recommended solar companies in our great state of Texas!
I guarantee each delivers on the 6 criteria I outlined earlier. You really can‘t go wrong working with any of these folks.
Quick Comparison
| Company | Experience | Equipment & Warranties | Custom Designs | Financing | Storage | Cust. Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom Solar | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Longhorn Solar | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| SunPower by Freedom | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lighthouse Solar | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| SolarEdge | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tesla | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| YellowLite Solar | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
And now, a bit more on each solar leader in the state:
Freedom Solar
As Texas‘ largest and most trusted solar provider, Freedom Solar has installed over 5 gigawatts of solar – more than anyone else! Their experience shines through with complex installs.
I always recommend Freedom first since they do it all: premium equipment like high-efficiency REC panels, robust warranties, custom designs to maximize roof space, solar battery add-ons and LED lighting upgrades, plus excellent customer service earning a perfect BBB rating.
Longhorn Solar
Operating locally in Texas for over 15 years, Longhorn Solar brings deep expertise from over 1,500 installs across the state exclusively. Their customized systems help Texans save big on energy bills.
Staff project managers expertly guide you from design to install to handle everything seamlessly. While storage options are more limited, their upfront pricing and financing transparency makes cost planning simple.
SunPower by Freedom Solar
Through special partnership, Freedom Solar leverages industry-leading SunPower panels engineered for hot Texas weather.
Expect an unrivaled product here – SunPower panels output 60% more kilowatt-hours thanks to patented cell technology and superior shade tolerance. Their sleek all-black design is pretty sharp too!
Yes, their premium equipment commands a higher price, but SunPower‘s power production over 25+ years can justify the investment for many.
Lighthouse Solar
Trusted for quality and reliability, veteran-owned Lighthouse Solar truly cares about your experience going solar.
They offer robust equipment/labor warranties and flexible financing plans to put solar within reach. Battery storage packages are a specialty as well to keep your home powered in outages. Their 5 star reviews speak volumes about top-notch customer service.
SolarEdge Technologies
While not a direct solar installer, SolarEdge is the leading product innovator behind many Texas solar systems. Their premium inverters, power optimizers and energy management technology squeezes every last drop of power from panels.
Many installers proudly use SolarEdge gear for optimal efficiency and monitoring. I always keep an eye out for their cutting-edge equipment advancing how systems work. Exciting stuff!
Tesla (Formerly SolarCity)
Following their acquisition of SolarCity, Tesla Energy integrates their sleek solar roofs and Powerwall batteries for a seamlessly high-tech system.
Their solar roof tiles stand out from any conventional panel install. Designs blend nicely on your home too. Pair this with a 14 kWh Powerwall backup and enjoy advanced automation.
Yes, Tesla commands a premium price, but they sweeten solar deals by including their electric vehicles and energy products to maximize savings.
YellowLite Solar
Operating locally in Texas since 2009, YellowLite Solar delivers simple, affordable solar solutions with superior project management and customer care.
This smaller company strives to make quality solar understandable and accessible for homeowners without complexity or intimidation. Their flexible financing options open the door to energy independence.
While limited in scale, you‘ll appreciate their personalized guidance tailored to your home‘s specific needs. Excellent option for solar newcomers!
And there you have it – my complete guide to the top solar options across the Texas solar scene!
I‘m happy to chat more about what company might suit your home best or answer any other questions you may have on your solar journey. Just drop me a line below!
Here‘s to powering our homes with limitless, clean Texas sunshine using the most trusted solar names in the state. Yeehaw!
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