Power plant profile: Blue Wing Solar Project, US
Blue Wing Solar Project is a 16MW solar PV power project. It is located in Texas, the US. According to GlobalData, who tracks and profiles over 170,000 power plants worldwide, the project is currently active. It has been developed in a single phase. Post completion of construction, the project got commissioned in November 2010. Buy the profile here.
The project was developed by juwi solar and is currently owned by Duke Energy Renewables with a stake of 100%.
Blue Wing Solar Project is a ground-mounted solar project which is spread over an area of 113 acres.
The project generates 26,000MWh electricity and supplies enough clean energy to power 2,800 households. The project cost is 74.665m.
Premium Insights Blue Wing Solar Project
Duke Energy Renewables Inc
juwi AG
The project got commissioned in November 2010.
Power purchase agreement
The power generated from the project is sold to CPS Energy under a power purchase agreement for a period of 30 years, starting from 2010.
juwi solar was selected to render engineering procurement construction services for the solar PV power project.
First Solar was selected as the supplier of the PV modules for the project. The company installed 214,500 modules at the site.
juwi solar is the OM contractor for the solar PV power project.
For more details on Blue Wing Solar Project, buy the profile here.
juwi solar Inc (juwi), a subsidiary of juwi AG is a renewable energy company that develops and constructs solar power plants. The company products include builds and operates large scale wind, solar and biomass energy. It offers services such as development and acquisition services, engineering services, procurement and construction services, operations and maintenance services, among others. juwi’s also offers solar scada system service, automatic alarming service and custom data analysis service, among others. The company projects include Highwoods Solar, Milford Solar, Jacksonville Solar, Queen Creek Solar, Wyandot Solar, Mill Creek Solar, Mars Solar Garden, and Blue Wing Solar. It serves commercial, utilities, investors and industrial clients. It has operations in North Carolina, Nevada, Arizona, New Jersey, Texas, Florida, New Jersey and Ohio, the US. Juwi is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the US.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying research used to produce this article.
This information is drawn from GlobalData’s Power Intelligence Center, which provides detailed profiles of over 170,000 active, planned and under construction power plants worldwide from announcement through to operation across all technologies and countries worldwide.
San Antonio Spurs Demand for Energy Efficiency
As a city that experiences seasonal spikes in energy demand and accompanying energy bills, San Antonio, Texas, wanted to help homeowners and businesses reduce their energy use and save on energy bills. The city partnered with CPS Energy, a municipally owned utility, to offer the CPS Energy Savers Program.
Using 10 million in seed funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Neighborhood Program, CPS Energy Savers focused on educating residential and commercial customers about the benefits of energy efficiency and motivating them to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and buildings. In addition to driving demand for energy upgrades with traditional marketing and incentive programs, the program offered training and certification opportunities to local contractors to help develop the local workforce.
Defining Characteristics
CPS Energy Savers primarily focused on managing the demand for energy by both residential and commercial property owners. To get residents and business owners involved, the program worked to drive traffic to its website, which served as a program gateway. There, customers could complete a DIY self-evaluation of their homes or businesses’ energy use or learn more about getting a professional energy assessment at a significantly reduced cost.
To incentivize customers to implement the energy efficiency measures recommended by the online tool or through a professional, in-person assessment, the program offered rebates and loans. Customers were eligible for significant cash incentives if they achieved a 15% reduction in energy use through the upgrades they implemented. Workforce development was another key goal of the program; CPS Energy Savers offered training and certification opportunities to area contractors, who also helped promote the program offerings. Read more in the CPS Energy Savers final report.
Accomplishments
(July 2010 to September 2013)
Approaches Taken
The CPS Energy Savers program created a comprehensive website, provided customers with advice throughout the upgrade process, offered financial incentives, and worked with contractors to promote residential and commercial energy upgrades.
- Residential Program Design: Residents began the energy efficiency process with one of two home energy assessment options: a free online quiz to self-evaluate energy use, for which they received a 5 rebate on their next utility bill, or an in-home professional energy assessment for 25 (an estimated 200 market value). Next, homeowners could take advantage of attractive financial incentives to move forward with implementing upgrades recommended in the assessment. Throughout the process, participants had access to an “energy concierge,” who provided a one-stop shop for information and advice regarding the assessment, upgrade process, and available financing options.
- Marketing and Outreach: The program used many traditional marketing methods, including direct mail and television, newspaper, and radio advertising, to drive customers to the CPS Energy Savers website. The program partnered with contractors and retail establishments, including six Lowe’s stores, which advertised the CPS Energy Savers website and online assessment. Materials were also translated into Spanish in order to reach the city’s large Hispanic population.
- Financing: The program subsidized residential energy assessments and offered attractive financing options to enable homeowners to complete upgrades. CPS Energy Savers offered 750 2,000 cash incentives to homeowners whose upgrades were estimated to reduce home energy use by at least 15%. In partnership with Energy Finance Solutions, the program offered loans up to 20,000 for 10 years with interest rates from 0% to 3.99%, depending on homeowners’ credit scores.
- Workforce Development: Using the program as an opportunity to grow the area’s green jobs sector, CPS Energy Savers provided training and certification, including Building Performance Institute and Residential Energy Services Network certifications, to local contractors. The program worked with the local Better Business Bureau to ensure that customers were connected with qualified contractors. Contractors were not only required to be registered and licensed with the City of San Antonio, but those providing air-flow services also needed to be approved by CPS Energy.
- Commercial Program Design: Commercial customers could receive significantly rebated energy assessments and building retro-commissioning, the systematic process that identifies low-cost operational and maintenance improvements in existing buildings. The retro-commissioning study was offered to program customers at 75% of the cost, and customers were fully reimbursed for the cost of the study if they implemented at least two of the recommended energy efficiency measures. Customers who participated in CPS Energy Savers also qualified for an additional 10% rebate on top of existing utility rebates.
- Municipal Facility Retrofit Program: In 2011, the city created a Municipal Facility Retrofit program for local government buildings. San Antonio’s Office of Sustainability invested in efficiency projects that resulted in savings, which it then used to create the Energy Efficiency Fund to finance further municipal projects. The city also created an Energy Management Division within the Office of Sustainability and approved the Energy Efficiency Fund as the financial mechanism to fund future energy efficiency projects in the city’s municipal buildings.
Key Takeaways
CPS Energy Savers staff gleaned important lessons about residential and commercial energy efficiency programs, including:
- Consider how customers can achieve the efficiency target. Because some of the program’s financing options were only available to those that met the minimum 15% reduction in energy use, some customers needed to implement more costly energy efficiency measures to achieve that target. This reduced the likelihood that all customers would complete the upgrades. For greater customer participation, the program recommends evaluating how different customers can reach the same benchmark, then focusing on those that are more cost-effective.
- Communicate effectively with program partners. CPS Energy Savers found that effectively communicating with its partners led to greater success in achieving their mutual goals. CPS Energy Savers worked successfully with contractors and retail organizations.
- Utilize the local contractor network to drive demand. In order to promote its residential and commercial offerings, CPS Energy Savers worked with local contractors to act as program messengers and direct customers to its website.
- Provide easy tools to engage customers. The program incentivized customers to complete the self-assessment by offering them a 5 credit on their next utility bill. While not everyone who completed the tool necessarily implemented the recommended energy upgrades, CPS Energy Savers felt the tool was still a good way to engage people and help them better understand the program.
What’s Next?
The City of San Antonio’s partnership with CPS Energy provided the CPS Energy Savers program with a path to sustainability. As the program continues, the city has undertaken additional energy efficiency initiatives:
- The program will now be funded through CPS Energy’s Save for Tomorrow Energy Plan (STEP), which will offer similar rebate programs.
- The CPS Energy Savers website transitioned to a portal for CPS Energy customers interested in energy efficiency and will continue to direct customers to the appropriate programs.
- Through upgrades and retro-commissioning of facilities participating in the Municipal Facility Retrofit program, the city expects to save approximately 535,000 a year, which will go into its Energy Efficiency Fund.
Additional Resources
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San Antonio Utility Company List
Are you moving to San Antonio or did you just close on your new home? Here’s a handy reference guide of every utility company local service providers for San Antonio and the surrounding areas. We hope this list will be a valuable resource to help you get set up quickly! We have included many of the local companies for water, electric, gas, trash, internet, and more! If you have any questions or need a recommendation please don’t hesitate to reach out!
San Antonio Main Electricity Service
CPS Energy- San Antonio area electricity is currently regulated so there is only one electricity company. CPS energy also handles natural gas services for many parts of San Antonio.
San Antonio Main Water Service
SAWS. San Antonio Water Systems- San Antonio water service is currently regulated so there is one main water company. Note that City trash services in San Antonio are sometimes included in as part of your water bill.
Solar Energy Service Provider
Powur Solar. A San Antonio Preferred Local Solar Energy Company. Get a Free Estimate and up 10K Off a Renewable Energy System. Qualifies for the CPS Energy Rebate Federal Tax Incentive.
Other Area Utility Providers
Grey Forest Utilities (Natural Gas Company)- Grey Forest handles natural gas services for the Dominion, Crownridge, and certain parts of Helotes.
Guadalupe Electric for Schertz, TX. Utilities in Schertz, TX are handled by the local municipality
Live Oak Utilities- Utilities for Live Oak, TX are handled by the local municipality
Boerne Utilities- Utility company for most of Boerne, TX
Trash Services in San Antonio Surrounding Areas
Most of San Antonio is covered under city trash services. There are a few locations that require private trash pick-up. For city trash contact San Antonio Water System. For other private collection services please see below.
Tiger Sanitation- A private trash collection service found widely throughout San Antonio.
C6 Disposal Systems- Local Trash Company used in Parts of Helotes,TX and other areas
Internet, Cable, Phone Services
Spectrum (Formerly Time Warner Cable)- Local Cable TV and internet company
To Order New Service or Transfer existing services: 1-855-243-8892
ATT Internet, TV, Phone service
Local Home Service Vendors
Here is a list of additional home service vendors and recommended companies. Here you fill different handymen, plumbers, electricians, maid services and more. We have used all these companies in the past with our clients!
Advanced Protection Home Security, Johnny Lopez (210)838-5793
210 Movers Pete (210)878-9227 or call Robert (210)625-2000. Moving Services
PODS (855)706-4758. Storage Pods
Yoli’s Clean Team (210)788-8092. Cleaning Maid Service
Beyer Carpet Cleaning (210)723-4392. Carpet Cleaning
Airemax (210)391-4202. HVAC
Lujan Plumbing (210)694-1323. Plumbing Services
Aaron’s Garage Door Service (210)690-7555. Garage Door Repair
Garage Storage Solutions (210)812-2769
Window Gang (210)946-4264. Gutter Cleaning and Window Washing Services
Jim’s After Hours (210)657-7100. Appliance Repair
Top 7 Best Solar Companies in Texas
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Dan Simms worked in real estate management for five years before using his experience to help property owners maintain their own homes. He got his master’s degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, and he now enjoys sharing his knowledge about homeownership and DIY projects with others on Today’s Homeowner. When he’s not writing, he’s usually outdoors with his wife and his dog, enjoying mountain biking, skiing, and hiking.
Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.
Today’s Homeowner exists to help you maintain or improve your home safely and effectively. We uphold strict editorial standards and carefully vet the advice and resources referenced in our articles. Click below to learn more about our review process and how we earn money.
Texas gets the fourth most sunshine in the United States, making it an ideal location for rooftop solar. The state is home to some of the best solar energy companies in the union, making it easy for Texans to find a solar provider that meets their home’s energy needs and provides the right solar services for them. This guide aims to make your choice a little easier by exploring the seven best solar companies available in Texas. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started.
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Best Solar Installation Companies in Texas
SunPower: Best Overall
Solartime: Outstanding Local Installer
NRG Clean Power: Outstanding Regional Provider
Compare the Best Solar Companies in Texas
| Company | Our Take | BBB Rating | Warranty | In-House Installation | Cost |
| SunPower | Best National Provider | A | 25 years for equipment, workmanship, and efficiency | Sometimes | |
| Longhorn Solar | Best Local Provider | A | 25 years for installation and performance | Yes | |
| ADT Solar | Best Solar Warranty | A- | 25 years for equipment and performance | Yes | |
| Momentum Solar | Best Customer Service | A | 25 years for equipment and workmanship | Yes | |
| Solartime | Outstanding Local Installer | A | 25 years for equipment and workmanship | Yes | |
| Blue Raven Solar | Best Solar Financing | A | 25 years for equipment | Yes | |
| NRG Clean Power | Outstanding Regional Provider | A | 25 years for labor, variable warranty for equipment | Yes |
SunPower
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At the top of our list, we have SunPower, a company that has been in the solar industry for almost 30 years and is one of the foremost solar providers in the country. SunPower is a national company with locations in many states, including Texas. The company’s reputation is built on its excellent Maxeon solar panels — which are among the most efficient on the market — and its top-notch customer service. SunPower is certified by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintains an A rating, an impressive feat given its almost three-decade history.
The primary downside to choosing SunPower is the price. While the panels the company offers are some of the best on the market, it can be hard to justify if money is tight. Still, you get what you pay for, and we believe that SunPower’s elevated cost is worth its superior quality and service.
High-quality Maxeon solar panels
Nearly 30 years in the solar business
Excellent product selection
Some installations are contracted out
SunPower’s are well above the Texas state average.
SunPower’s solar warranty is outstanding, covering parts, labor, and performance for 25 years.
The company is a full-service solar business, providing solar panels, solar energy storage, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and solar energy system monitoring.
SunPower customers can pay for their system in full with cash, take out a solar loan, lease panels, or enter a power purchase agreement (PPA) with SunPower. The latter two options are preferable compared to the former two since they lead to lower lifetime savings.
As of this writing, SunPower is offering 100 for anyone you recommend who schedules an in-home consultation.
SunPower is moving to in-house installations, although it still contracts out some work depending on location and demand. Ask your representative during your free quote visit if you’re concerned about having a third-party installation.
SunPower doesn’t offer a choice; all customers receive the company’s highly efficient Maxeon solar panels.
SunPower is accredited by the BBB and has a network of certified installers across the United States and Texas.
Longhorn Solar
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As you might guess from the name, Longhorn Solar is a local Texas solar installer. The company services the Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio metropolitan areas, offering dependable service and solid, albeit somewhat limited, solar services. The company was founded in 2009 and has since helped thousands of Texans go solar with rooftop installations. Longhorn Solar offers basic solar installations from major brands, and customer reviews suggest that the company has friendly and responsive customer service.
Familiar with local solar policies
Carries equipment from top brands
Excellent customer reviews
Longhorn Solar’s are above average, which is not unusual for smaller, regional installers.
The company backs its products with a 25-year warranty on parts and performance, giving you peace of mind that your solar investment will continue saving you money on your electric bill for many years.
Longhorn Solar offers basic panel and battery backup installations but doesn’t offer system monitoring or EV charging.
The company accepts cash and offers solar loans with 0 down options for qualified customers.
Longhorn Solar uses an in-house team of certified technicians for all of its installations.
Longhorn carries several major photovoltaic (PV) panel brands, including Q Cells and REC, and uses leading companies SolarEdge and SMA inverters.
Longhorn Solar’s installers are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), and the company is partners with REC and SolarEdge.
ADT Solar
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ADT — the national home security company — acquired Sunpro In late 2021, jumpstarting its foray into the world of rooftop solar. ADT combines its considerable resources as an established company with Sunpro’s experience in the solar industry to bring customers reasonably-priced residential solar energy solutions. The company’s main selling point is its excellent solar warranty, which gives homeowners unparalleled peace of mind. Texans looking for a small local company to support won’t be interested in ADT Solar, but for anyone who doesn’t mind a less personal experience, the company is worth a look.
Best solar warranty available
Coverage throughout Texas
Good variety of products and services
Customer service is unreliable
Lacks the regional knowledge of a smaller company
ADT Solar’s are in line with the Texas state average.
ADT Solar’s primary draw is its best-in-class solar warranty. The company covers everything in your solar panel system, parts, labor, and performance for 25 years.
The company offers customized solar system design, panel installation services, battery backups, and EV chargers.
Despite being a national solar provider, ADT’s solar service is available in an impressive number of Texas communities, including Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Odessa, Plano, Waco, and more.
ADT Solar customers can pay with cash or take out a solar loan, but the company doesn’t offer PPAs or solar leases.
ADT Solar incentives customers to recommend the company to friends and family by offering 1,000 for everyone you refer who signs up for service. Rewards and referrals are handled by a convenient mobile app.
ADT Solar leverages the assets it acquired from Sunpro to offer in-house installations.
ADT Solar’s brand lineup is less impressive than some of its competition but features respectable brands like LG and Panasonic.
The company has key partnerships with Buildpro and Energypro, two independent businesses that provide general contracting and energy-related services. It is also certified by rack manufacturer Unirac, inverter manufacturer Enphase, and NABCEP.
Momentum Solar
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Momentum Solar is another national solar company that does excellent work in Texas. The company was founded more than a decade ago in New Jersey and has quickly become one of the largest solar providers anywhere in the country. Momentum’s coverage area encompasses all of Texas, so you can take advantage of the company’s excellent customer service and top-notch warranty no matter where you live. Momentum Solar’s are good, and its representatives know Texas policies well for permitting purposes, but the company’s selection isn’t the best.
Friendly, knowledgeable representatives
Limited selection of products and brands
Momentum Solar’s systems are priced competitively and cost around the Texas average.
The company’s warranties are extremely solid, covering parts and workmanship for 25 years.
Momentum Solar isn’t the best choice if you’re looking for advanced features since the company only handles basic solar panel and battery storage installations.
The company accepts cash, solar loans, solar leases, and PPAs.
Customers can partake in the Momentum Family Referral program to earn rewards for recommending Momentum Solar to their friends and family. Unfortunately, the company’s website doesn’t have specific information, so you’ll have to contact a representative for more information.
Momentum Solar is an end-to-end solar installer, so the company handles its installations in-house.
Momentum Solar doesn’t have the most brands to choose from, but it does carry high-quality equipment from reputable solar manufacturers.
Momentum Solar doesn’t list what brands it uses on its website, only stating that it uses Tier 1 panel manufacturers. The company does say that it uses Enphase microinverters and storage systems.
The company is certified by NABCEP and has a close business relationship with Enphase.
Solartime
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Solartime is a family-owned business based in Dallas, Texas. The company prides itself on making it easy for Dallas-area homeowners to go solar, handling system design, permitting, and installation in-house. The company offers some interesting service options, including solar pools and solar carports alongside standard options like solar panels and battery backups.
Innovative options like solar pools and solar carports
Solartime’s are reasonable, especially for a local solar provider.
The company offers a 25-year equipment and workmanship warranty.
Solartime offers basic services like solar panels and battery backups, but also unique solar products like solar generators, solar carports, and solar pool heating.
Unfortunately, Solartime’s coverage area doesn’t extend much past the immediate Dallas-Fort Worth region. Most of the company’s customers live in and around Dallas, so you should call before getting your hopes up in case the company doesn’t service your area.
Solartime accepts cash, solar loans, and solar leases.
As of this writing, Solartime has an extensive referral program that offers 25 per customer who completes a consultation, 1,000 for every customer who signs up, and an additional 1,000 bonus after every four successful recommendations.
Solartime completes all of its installations using its own installation team. This helps the company provide the best customer service possible and helps avoid delays and issues with the installation process.
Solartime offers equipment from several major solar brands, including Panasonic, Q Cells, LG, Axitec, and Tesla.
The company is a certified Tesla installer.
Blue Raven Solar
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Blue Raven Solar is a budget-friendly solar company that boasts the best solar financing in the business. The company only offers basic panel installations, but battery backups are on the table starting in mid to late 2022.
Blue Raven offers several high-quality financing options through its in-house BluePower Plus program, making it one of the best options for Texas residents who want to go solar but can’t afford to shell out for a premium system. Don’t let the affordability confuse you; Blue Raven still carries equipment from well-respected solar brands, just don’t expect SunPower or Tesla levels of efficiency.
The BluePower Plus financing program is the best we’ve seen
Good selection of quality panels
Doesn’t offer much beyond basic installations
Blue Raven Solar’s are below the Texas average, making the company an excellent choice for people looking to switch to solar without breaking the bank.
Blue Raven’s warranty covers equipment for 25 years and workmanship for ten years. While it isn’t the most impressive solar warranty we’ve seen, it is solid, and we believe it’s worth the reduced workmanship coverage if it helps keep the costs down.
Blue Raven’s solar services are extremely limited. As of mid-2022, the company only offers solar panel installations, with battery backups slated for late 2022.
The BluePower Plus program is one of the few in-house solar financing options we’ve seen, and we’re big fans. Blue Raven has several accessible options, including no-money-down and delayed payment options for qualified customers. Other options feature 0% interest for 24 months and traditional solar loans with 5–25 year terms.
Blue Raven Solar has a generous referral program that gives you 1,000 for your first two referrals and 1,500 for every referral starting with your third.
Blue Raven handles its installations internally.
The company installs solar power systems with equipment from noted solar manufacturers Silfab, Q Cells, and Trina.
Blue Raven Solar has a charitable partnership with GivePower to help use solar-powered desalination to bring potable water to areas without access to quality drinking water.
NRG Clean Power
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Last, but not least, we have NRG Clean Power, a regional solar energy company that operates throughout Texas and southern California. NRG Clean Power is the best choice for Texans who want to understand how their solar system works and how to get the most out of solar energy.
NRG Clean Power is dedicated to helping accelerate the adoption of clean energy from solar by educating the public about solar power’s many benefits. The company’s website is chock full of helpful information designed to help potential customers understand how solar works and help them choose the right system that meets their energy needs and budget.
30 years of solar experience
Laid-back sales approach is friendly and welcoming
Excellent selection of brands and products
Not a local Texas company
NRG Clean Power costs a bit more than the average solar company in Texas. Though it isn’t the most affordable, it’s also not as expensive as premium companies like Longhorn Solar and SunPower.
The company offers a 25-year warranty covering equipment and workmanship on all its products.
NRG Clean Power offers solar panel installations, solar batteries, and EV charging stations.
NRG Clean Power accepts cash and solar loans but doesn’t offer solar leases or PPAs.
The company offers 500 for every referral up to 10. From your eleventh onward, you receive 1,000 per recommendation. All customers you refer must sign up for service with NRG Clean Power for you to receive the reward.
All NRG Clean Power solar installations are handled in-house.
The company offers a veritable smorgasbord of solar equipment, featuring systems from REC, Hyundai, LG, Panasonic, and Mission Solar Energy. Storage solutions are provided via Tesla Powerwall, LG Chem, or Enphase Encharge batteries.
NRG Clean Power is certified by NABCEP.
Final Verdict: The Best Solar Company in Texas
SunPower is the best solar panel company in Texas, in our opinion. The company’s in-house Maxeon panels are the most efficient photovoltaic panels on the market today, and the company’s 30-year record of outstanding customer service speaks for itself. If you prefer to patronize a local business instead, Longhorn Solar is an outstanding solar provider that’s as Texas as it gets. The company offers high-quality solar panels and battery backups and stands behind its equipment with an excellent warranty and superlative customer support.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Solar Company in Texas
If you’re still having trouble picking a company, don’t worry. Here are some general factors to consider before choosing a solar company that can help you figure out where your priorities lie and which companies work best for you.
Cost of Services Installation
Solar systems are a big purchase for most homeowners, and installing rooftop solar is not a decision that you should make without a careful assessment of your financial situation. If you find that you can’t afford to pay for your entire solar system upfront, you can choose to finance it and pay it off over time, just like how you pay off your home and car. Some companies offer solar leases and PPAs, although these options forfeit future savings and generally aren’t worth it.
Choosing a more affordable solar panel company is a good option if you can’t afford a premium system, but bear in mind that more expensive systems usually have higher quality equipment and better warranty options. They also usually come with more services included in the price, such as solar monitoring and efficiency upgrades.
Equipment and Damages Warranty
The warranty you get with a solar system is one of the most important factors to think about before you commit to a company. Texas weather can wreak havoc on rooftop solar systems, and ordinary wear and tear take a toll over time. Make sure you’re comfortable with the terms of your warranty agreement before you sign on the dotted line; you don’t want to find out later that you’re responsible for repairing some damage you thought was covered by the warranty.
Solar Services Offered
Not all solar panel companies offer the same services, although most offer at least solar panel and solar battery installations. If you want solar monitoring, an EV charger, or more niche solar services like solar-heated pools, solar shingles, or a solar roof, you have fewer options. Some companies also offer ongoing energy efficiency upgrades to keep your system at peak performance for its entire lifespan. Make sure to ask your representative about any specialty services you’re interested in when you get a quote.
Financing Options
Many people can only invest in solar for their homes through financing. The solar industry is moving away from PPAs and leases since those options lead to decreased savings for homeowners compared to outright ownership. However, solar loans are extremely popular, and potential solar customers have tons of choices. Take your time and shop around to get a sense of what your local solar companies offer before making your decision. There are plenty of solar companies that are happy to work with you to find a solar financing option that makes sense for both parties.
Do They Contract Installation?
We recommend choosing a company that does in-house installations rather than one that contracts its installations out to an independent company. Third-party installations aren’t the worst thing, but they tend to lead to inconsistent customer experiences and more headaches during the installation process. Most solar companies handle their own installations these days, so chances are you won’t have to worry about it.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
As photovoltaic panel technology improves and solar storage options get more sophisticated, the difference between major solar brands is getting smaller. However, some brands—like Tesla and Maxeon — are a cut above the competition, offering superior efficiency and durability to other brands.
If you’re not concerned with squeezing every last drop of electricity out of your panels and don’t plan on counting every penny you save on your electric bill, any major brand will work well. Tesla, Panasonic, LG, and Q Cells are popular panel manufacturers with good reputations throughout the industry, and Tesla, Enphase, and LG provide the best storage solutions.
Enphase is also one of the leading inverter manufacturers, along with SolarEdge and SMA.
Average Online Rating and Customer Reviews
Don’t discount customer reviews when researching solar providers. Internet reviews can be a mixed bag, but pay attention to what the majority of reviews of a company say. You should read as many reviews of a company from a variety of sources before forming an opinion since individual websites or reviewers may harbor biases for or against certain companies. You shouldn’t base your decision on internet reviews alone, but they often provide insight that’s difficult to get from other places.
Industry Partnerships
The solar industry is very interconnected, and few companies operate in true isolation. Every solar installation requires PV panels, inverters, and a solar rack mount, and many include batteries and monitoring. To make all these separate components work together requires equipment from several manufacturers and knowledge of many different areas.
The highest ranked solar companies form close relationships with other businesses in the renewable energy field, fostering communication and helping to drive the industry forward. For customers, a company with many partnerships is more likely to be in it for the long haul and less likely to stop supporting their installations or go out of business altogether.
Size of Company
One final factor to consider before settling on a solar provider is the company’s size. Large companies often charge less for the same equipment due to the economy of scale, while small companies can afford to give you and your solar system more personalized attention. Which you should choose is entirely a personal choice, as one is not clearly better than the other.
FAQs
Are solar panels popular in Texas?
Solar power is extremely popular in Texas, with an estimated 9,000 MW capacity as of 2021. That’s equivalent to the power requirements of just over one million average households! You might have heard that solar power only comprises a small fraction of the total amount of energy produced in Texas each year, and, while that’s true, it’s due to the state’s high energy production rates and not an indication that solar energy is not popular in Texas.
Texas also led the country in new solar installations in 2021, according to a SEIA report.
Is solar energy worth it in Texas?
Yes, without a doubt. Texas is the fourth sunniest state in the union, making it one of the best places for solar energy in the entire country. Additionally, Texas residents can take advantage of the federal income tax credit (ITC) and claim 26% of the cost of your solar project towards your federal tax obligation the following year.
Texas doesn’t offer statewide tax rebates or credits, but many local municipalities do. Several Texas utility companies offer net metering — selling your excess energy back to the grid. Net metering is a great way to take advantage of the extra energy your solar system produces and can help you save even more money. Power companies that offer net metering include El Paso Electric, The City of Brenham, CPS Energy, and Green Mountain Energy.
Which solar company is the largest in Texas?
The largest solar company in Texas is 7x Energy. The company is not known for residential solar installations and is more focused on commercial projects and semiconductor manufacturing.
How long do solar panels last in Texas?
Solar panels typically last for between 20 and 30 years when properly cared for in a moderate climate. High winds, salty air like what you find in coastal areas, and severe winters can reduce a solar system’s lifespan. Dallas’ famous ice storms may damage solar systems, making it essential that you understand the terms of your solar system’s warranty. There’s no reason that Texas solar systems should have shorter lives than anywhere else, but routine maintenance and inspections are important to keep your system healthy.
Will the Texas heat affect solar panels?
Solar panels are less efficient in hot weather, but the intense heat found in Texas shouldn’t damage the system. Panasonic solar panels are generally considered to be the best in hot weather, although the subject is a matter of some debate. Keep in mind that hot weather will affect your energy costs even if you don’t have solar panels, so missing out on energy savings is still better than paying for power from the electric company.
What is the return on investment for solar panels in Texas?
Most estimates suggest that solar panels in Texas pay for themselves within 13 years and return an average lifetime savings of around 20,000–22,000. Keep in mind that real estate tech company Zillow estimates that adding rooftop solar to your home increases its value by 4.1%, so many people recoup the full cost of their solar system when they sell their home.
Today’s Homeowner’s Solar Companies Rating Methodology
At Today’s Homeowner, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each solar energy company/service according to our methodology.
Our research team dug deep into the fine print of contracts, combed through more than one hundred customer reviews, and thoroughly investigated all of each solar energy company’s services, costs, and products. We’ve done the homework for you by researching nearly all of the solar energy companies on the market so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your home.
We developed a formula to objectively determine the best solar energy companies and give each a score out of 100 based on the following criteria:
Plan Options (30): Do they provide a variety of plan options? We looked at the number of plans each solar energy company offered and the flexibility of adjusting the plan.
Services offered (20): How many services are offered in each plan? We looked at whether the company manufactures its own solar panels, whether it contracts out installation, and what additional products each company offers.
Trust (10): What do customers say after their solar panels are installed? Does this company offer a guarantee? We considered how satisfied customers are post-service if the company does what it says it will, BBB accreditation, and service guarantees.
(10): How reasonable are the costs of the plan or service in comparison to the industry average? We compared the costs of each company to competitors that offer the same solar energy services.
Unique perks (10): Does the company offer discounts or special services such as financial incentives, rebates, or a useful mobile app? We looked for extras each company offers that set them apart from the competition.
Customer Service (10): How is the customer experience when contacting the company? We considered the speed of response, weekend/holiday availability, and ease of communication through phone calls, email, and online chat functions.
Nationwide availability (10): How many states does the company offer its services? Companies that operate nationally and in all zip codes are favored over those with limited availability.
Resources for Texas Homeowners
Dan Simms worked in real estate management for five years before using his experience to help property owners maintain their own homes. He got his master’s degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, and he now enjoys sharing his knowledge about homeownership and DIY projects with others on Today’s Homeowner. When he’s not writing, he’s usually outdoors with his wife and his dog, enjoying mountain biking, skiing, and hiking.
Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.