Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Every year, more Robinson homeowners use rooftop solar panels to lower their carbon footprint and add value to their property. Solar power can cut your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to hire a qualified solar installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar providers and created a guide to the best solar companies in Robinson. These trusted providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re evaluating if you want to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. All solar installers in Texas must have a state electrical contractors' license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners regulates plumbing regulations and licensing standards for solar thermal installers.
Check review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
To find a solar company that fits your budget, get free, detailed quotes from three to five providers. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the option that best fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment. The performance guarantee promises a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Solar can help you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Robinson will depend on several factors, including the size of the system and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system could range from $3,330 per kilowatt, not including labor, permit fees, or preliminary work. Most solar systems in Robinson are 7.6 kilowatts, and the typical Robinson homeowners spends $17,686 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Amount:
Free Equipment Program: Free appliance installation and weatherization services
Home Improvement (includes attic insulation, duct sealing, duct insulation, duct replacement, high-efficiency gas furnace, and Wi-Fi thermostat: Up to $1000
Solar Water Heater With Natural Gas Backup: $750
Tankless or Super High-efficiency Water Heater: $650
Furnace: $675
Furnace Tune-Up: $40
Natural Gas Dryer with moisture sensor: $225
Natural Gas Dryer Stub: $300
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. With the winter months in Texas being very mild, you have a wide time window to install your panels, though they won't hit peak performance until summer arrives.
Of course. Robinson uses a balanced mixture of solar energy and conventional power sources. While your panels at home will lower your home's emissions and provide cost savings, you'll still benefit from access to the local grid.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Robinson amount to $1,255.
Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your utility or state offers net metering, you can sell the solar energy you don't use to the grid. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.
Although solar energy is a valuable option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, you could consider other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still help the environment and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
The answer ultimately depends on your specific situation. You can take advantage of a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to inform your insurance company about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
