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.
Best Solar Installation Companies in Texas
- Best National Provider: SunPower
- Best Local Provider: Longhorn Solar
- Best Solar Warranty: ADT Solar
- Best Customer Service: Momentum Solar
- Outstanding Local Installer: Solartime
- Best Solar Financing: Blue Raven Solar
- Outstanding Regional Provider: NRG Clean Power
Compare the Best Solar Companies in Texas
| Company | Our Take | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Warranty | In-House Installation | Cost |
| SunPower | Best National Provider | 9.8 | A+ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship, and efficiency | Sometimes | $$$$ |
| Longhorn Solar | Best Local Provider | 9.7 | A+ | 25 years for installation and performance | Yes | $$$$ |
| ADT Solar | Best Solar Warranty | 9.6 | A- | 25 years for equipment and performance | Yes | $$$ |
| Momentum Solar | Best Customer Service | 9.5 | A+ | 25 years for equipment and workmanship | Yes | $$$ |
| Solartime | Outstanding Local Installer | 9.4 | A+ | 25 years for equipment and workmanship | Yes | $$$ |
| Blue Raven Solar | Best Solar Financing | 9.4 | A+ | 25 years for equipment | Yes | $$ |
| NRG Clean Power | Outstanding Regional Provider | 9.2 | A+ | 25 years for labor, variable warranty for equipment | Yes | $$$ |
1. SunPower
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. Learn more about the pros and cons of Sunpower.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High-quality Maxeon solar panels
- Nearly 30 years in the solar business
- Great customer service
- Tons of products
Cons
- Very expensive
- Some installations are contracted out
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
SunPower is a premium solar brand, featuring the best products and services in the business and prices to match. If you’re looking for an affordable solar solution, SunPower is not for you.
Average Cost
SunPower’s prices are well above the Texas state average.
Warranty
SunPower’s solar warranty is outstanding, covering parts, labor, and performance for 25 years.
Solar Services
The company is a full-service solar business, providing solar panels, solar energy storage, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and solar energy system monitoring.
Financing Options
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.
Specials or Incentives Offered
As of this writing, SunPower is offering $100 for anyone you recommend who schedules an in-home consultation.
In-House or Contracted Installations
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.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
SunPower doesn’t offer a choice; all customers receive the company’s highly efficient Maxeon solar panels.
Partnerships
SunPower is accredited by the BBB and has a network of certified installers across the United States and Texas.
2. Longhorn Solar
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Familiar with local solar policies
- Carries equipment from top brands
- Excellent customer reviews
Cons
- Quite expensive
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
Longhorn Solar is a great choice for anyone looking for a Texas-centric solar installer. The company will help you navigate local policies and is familiar with the unique challenges of installing solar panels on Texas homes.
Average Cost
Longhorn Solar’s prices are above-average, which is not unusual for smaller, regional installers.
Warranty
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.
Solar Services
Longhorn Solar offers basic panel and battery backup installations but doesn’t offer system monitoring or EV charging.
Financing Options
The company accepts cash and offers solar loans with $0 down options for qualified customers.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Longhorn Solar uses an in-house team of certified technicians for all of its installations.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Longhorn carries several major photovoltaic (PV) panel brands, including Q Cells and REC, and uses leading companies SolarEdge and SMA inverters.
Partnerships
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.
3. ADT Solar
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.
Read our in-depth look at ADT Solar.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best solar warranty available
- Coverage throughout Texas
- Good variety of products and services
Cons
- Customer service is unreliable
- Lacks the regional knowledge of a smaller company
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
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.
Average Cost
ADT Solar’s prices are in line with the Texas state average.
Warranty
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.
Solar Services
The company offers customized solar system design, panel installation services, battery backups, and EV chargers.
Financing Options
ADT Solar customers can pay with cash or take out a solar loan, but the company doesn’t offer PPAs or solar leases.
Specials or Incentives Offered
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.
In-House or Contracted Installations
ADT Solar leverages the assets it acquired from Sunpro to offer in-house installations.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
ADT Solar’s brand lineup is less impressive than some of its competition but features respectable brands like LG and Panasonic.
Partnerships
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.
4. Momentum Solar
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 prices are good, and its representatives know Texas policies well for permitting purposes, but the company’s selection isn’t the best.
For a deep dive into this top company, read this Momentum Solar review.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Friendly, knowledgeable representatives
- Good warranty
- Excellent reputation
Cons
- Limited selection of products and brands
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
Momentum Solar doesn’t have the most brands to choose from, but it does carry high-quality equipment from reputable solar manufacturers.
Average Cost
Momentum Solar’s systems are priced competitively and cost around the Texas average.
Warranty
The company’s warranties are extremely solid, covering parts and workmanship for 25 years.
Solar Services
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.
Financing Options
The company accepts cash, solar loans, solar leases, and PPAs.
Specials or Incentives Offered
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.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Momentum Solar is an end-to-end solar installer, so the company handles its installations in-house.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Momentum Solar does not 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.
Partnerships
The company is certified by NABCEP and has a close business relationship with Enphase.
5. Solartime
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Texas-based business
- End-to-end solar company
- Innovative options like solar pools and solar carports
Cons
- Limited service area
- Missing some key brands
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
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.
Average Cost
Solartime’s prices are reasonable, especially for a local solar provider.
Warranty
The company offers a 25-year equipment and workmanship warranty.
Solar Services
Solartime offers basic services like solar panels and battery backups, but also unique solar products like solar generators, solar carports, and solar pool heating.
Financing Options
Solartime accepts cash, solar loans, and solar leases.
Specials or Incentives Offered
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.
In-House or Contracted Installations
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.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Solartime offers equipment from several major solar brands, including Panasonic, Q Cells, LG, Axitec, and Tesla.
Partnerships
The company is a certified Tesla installer.
6. Blue Raven Solar
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.
To learn more, read this deep dive into Blue Raven Solar.
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The BluePower Plus+ financing program is the best we’ve seen
- Good selection of quality panels
- Most affordable option
Cons
- Not much brand variety
- Doesn’t offer much beyond basic installations
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
Blue Raven Solar is the go-to option for affordable solar in Texas. The company won’t win any awards for offering the best selection of products or cutting-edge features, but its financing options are unmatched in the industry, and it makes solar more accessible.
Average Cost
Blue Raven Solar’s prices are below the Texas average, making the company an excellent choice for people looking to switch to solar without breaking the bank.
Warranty
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.
Solar Services
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.
Financing Options
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.
Specials or Incentives Offered
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.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Blue Raven handles its installations internally.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
The company installs solar power systems with equipment from noted solar manufacturers Silfab, Q Cells, and Trina.
Partnerships
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.
7. NRG Clean Power
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 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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30 years of solar experience
- Laid-back sales approach is friendly and welcoming
- Excellent selection of brands and products
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Not a Texas exclusive
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
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. The company isn’t the most affordable, but it’s also not as expensive as premium companies like Longhorn Solar and SunPower.
Average Cost
NRG Clean Power costs a bit more than the average solar company in Texas.
Warranty
The company offers a 25-year warranty covering equipment and workmanship on all its products.
Solar Services
NRG Clean Power offers solar panel installations, solar batteries, and EV charging stations.
Financing Options
NRG Clean Power accepts cash and solar loans but doesn’t offer solar leases or PPAs.
Specials or Incentives Offered
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.
In-House or Contracted Installations
All NRG Clean Power solar installations are handled in-house.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
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.
Partnerships
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.
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.
Prices (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.
