Advertiser Disclosure
Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.
10 best solar companies in Austin, Texas
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
Join more than 1,246 people who have received a quote in the last 30 days.
We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Austin. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Austin, Texas, requires you to hire a solar technician that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To guide your search for the best installer, we've assembled a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Austin.
Before selecting an installer, request recommendations from others, review the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can go with a local solar company in Austin or pick an established national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
- Extends 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Provides solar panel and battery installation
- Offers comprehensive financing
Although solar panels need a big initial investment, you can reduce your energy expenses in the long run by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), adopting solar energy allows Austin homeowners to save a yearly average of about $1,400.
Not every solar company extends the same offerings. Before booking your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Find the top solar company for you in Austin
Seek out Austin solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review websites. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for mutiple bad reviews.
512 Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Lighthouse Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Wells Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
ATX Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Longhorn Solar - Austin
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Optimum Solar USA
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
The American Power Company
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Austin Discount Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Easy Simple Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Smart Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
EcoGen America
Greenstar Power
NATiVE Solar
Freedom Solar Power - San Antonio Solar Panel Installers
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Austin?
Austin and the neighboring areas receive abundant sunshine, which allows homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Major reasons to start using solar power include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels otherwise used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Using solar can help reduce your electricity bills. Solar panel systems generate power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can charge electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the surest method to guarantee your electric car is fueled with clean, renewable energy.
Facts about Austin
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Austin?
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels hinges on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The price rises if you pick any extras like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA the average expense to install solar panels in Austin is $17,597.
How much can you save by going solar in Austin?
Installing solar panels requires sizable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through significant reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in Austin from going solar
In Austin, you can expect to save money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the length of time required for a solar panel system to recoup its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which utilize data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Austin's standard solar payback period is 12 years.
- Annual solar savings in Austin: Austin homeowners can expect to save about $1,444 per year on average by switching to solar power, according to our analysis of data from the Department of Energy, the EIA and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from NASA and the EIA, by moving completely to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $21,885 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Austin from going solar
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also lowers your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Austin?
There are several solar incentives available to homeowners in Austin. Certain programs are applicable to all Texas residents, while others are dependent on your utility company, city and municipality.
Available solar incentives for Texas homeowners, per DSIRE, include:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption | 100% |
Rebate Program Texas Gas Service - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | 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 |
Rebate Program Austin Energy - Residential Solar PV Rebate Program | $2,500 |
Rebate Program Austin Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Central AC/Heat Pump: $150 - $600 Package Unit AC/Heat Pump: $200 - $550 Mini-Split AC/Heat Pump: $250 - $800 AC Tune-Up: $175, max of 5 systems Pool Pumps: $300 per pump replaced Heat Pump Water Heater: $800 Smart Thermostat: $25/unit, plus $85 for participating in the Power Partner Thermostat smart energy savings program Window Air Conditioners: $50 per unit Weatherization Bonus: Up to $2,400 Solar Screens/Solar Film: $1.00/sq. ft. Attic Insulation to R-38: varies by original R-value Duct Replacement: $3.25/sq. ft. Duct Insulation: $1.00/sq. ft. Duct System Performance Testing: $200 - first system, $100 each additional system/ $75.00 per new return air improvement (max 3 per system) External Combustion Air: $20 each Air Infiltration and Duct Sealing: $0.12/sq. ft. Total External Static Pressure: $175 for first system, $100 for additional Return Air/Supply Grilles: $5 each Improve Supply and/or Return Plenum: $75 each Additional Attic Access: $25 Insulated Box for Pull Down Stairs: $25 Fan Cover: $25 |
Rebate Program Pedernales Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Central AC: $250/unit Heat Pump: $250/unit Ground Source Heat Pump: $250/Ton Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $250 |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Austin solar installer?
Take time to consider these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system relies on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households often consume more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it may lack enough energy to power your entire house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project might be subject to the necessary codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same sun exposure. Trees, rain and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss in overcast weather conditions. Incorporating battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have options among solar panel types, as they vary in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These elements affect cost, when you'll need to swap panels and space used on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
More on this topic...
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
solarMay 16
While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
solarMay 15
Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
solarApr. 16
Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
solarMar. 27