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Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 3 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Laredo. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Laredo, Texas requires you to hire a solar installer with proper certification, skills and experience. We've created a list of the highest-rated solar companies in Laredo to help you hire the right installer.
Prior to hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and collect multiple quotes to determine the right company for you. You can pick a local Laredo solar company or choose an established national brand.
While putting in solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy enables Laredo homeowners to save an average of $1,700 annually.
Various solar companies provide different products. Take the time to review each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Vet Laredo solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read through reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and take note of consistent bad reviews.
The Laredo region receives plenty of sunlight, which is great for homeowners to capitalize on solar energy. Here are the top reasons to choose solar:
According to our survey conducted in October 2023, the average national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you pick any extras like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
Per statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA the average expense to install solar panels in Laredo is $16,440.
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see major savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
After transitioning fully to solar power, Laredo homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for seeing returns on your solar investment.
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also lowers your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Laredo homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Certain programs are available statewide to all Texas residents, whereas others differ based on municipality, city and utility company.
According to the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives offered to Texas residents:
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 |
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. |
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, reflect on these important questions.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio determine the appropriate panel system size for you. More expansive homes tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local rules. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not all homes have the same amount of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rain conditions and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need extra panels with higher wattage.
To conserve excess power, a lot of panel systems come equipped with a solar battery. This feature is invaluable in cloudy conditions and helps to prevent power loss. However, opting for battery storage can result in higher installation costs.
You have options among solar panel types, as they vary in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These elements can change the cost, when you'll need to swap panels and space used on your roof.
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.
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.
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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.
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Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
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