15 Best Solar Companies in Austin, TX (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Austin based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Austin, TX
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Austin homeowner saves $1,530/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Austin
When choosing between the best solar panel companies, Austin homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be a lot to take in, but we’re here to make switching to solar power simpler. You may have to spend a decent amount of money upfront for solar panels, but adopting solar will save you money on your energy bills over many years. In fact, you can look forward to saving about $18,000 over 20 years.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow in on the top companies in your area.To get an idea of how much it could cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Austin
SunPower
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Consultation
- Battery Storage
512 Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
ATX Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Lighthouse Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Solar Carports
Optimum Solar USA
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Wells Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Tesla Powerwall
Longhorn Solar - Austin
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
The American Power Company
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Austin Discount Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Smart Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Easy Simple Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Greenstar Power
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Texas Solar Power Company
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Solar Carports
- Panel Installation
Bat City Solar Co
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- System Decommissioning
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Now Energy LLC
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Austin
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Austin based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Austin
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Texas solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Austin
For many homeowners, whether or not you should invest in solar energy boils down to the cost.The overall price and potential savings vary depending on a few key factors such as:
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Austin uses a lot of energy, and so may see more savings on electricity bills than other places.
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- The amount of sunlight your rooftop gets: Thanks to Austin’s very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your electricity bills.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to lower your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state may also have various incentives that you can benefit from. Additionally, you can save about $18,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
There are lots of great benefits of solar even with the initial cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your wallet. In addition, it can raise the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Austin
In an effort to increase solar panel installation and usage, federal and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make switching to solar power more financially viable and accessible.When you install solar panels on your house, you become eligible to claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you reduce your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. In addition, there may often be some local incentives that you can take advantage of to further save. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Austin
One reason so many people are considering installing solar panels is to help bring down their environmental impact.But how much can switching to solar actually affect the environment? The more power your house uses, the the more the environment will benefit when you switch to solar since you won’t need to use as much nonrenewable energy.Though solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by greatly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Austin, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 80 pounds a year with solar panels. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll likely recognize that there are many advantages to adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Austin, TX Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel installer in Austin?
In Austin, SunPower is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your house.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 12.2 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The higher your typical power bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What is the best kind of solar panel?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more costly. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can’t, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, the layout of your roof and how much efficiency you're looking for.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.