Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations.
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.
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 Plano. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Plano, Texas, you'll need to find a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've assembled a list of the leading solar companies in Plano to help you choose the right one.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, evaluate 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 Plano or pick a well-known national brand.
Even though solar panels call for a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy enables Plano homeowners to save $1,500 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all have identical services and products. You should look at different companies and ask for quotes before arranging your solar panel installation.
Search for Plano solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer commentary on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a favorable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Reading through previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be wary if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Homeowners in Plano can benefit from solar energy since the area gets plenty of sunshine. The main reasons to consider solar panels include these:
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your labor costs, system size, sunlight availability, roof orientation, area and shading. Selecting bonus features such as solar trackers, batteries or animal guards will raise the overall cost.
Drawing from data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in Plano typically costs $17,939.
While solar panel installation may be a substantial initial cost, you are positioned to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
In Plano, you can expect to save money once you've fully switched to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also reduces 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
A variety of solar incentives are available to Plano homeowners. Certain programs are offered to all Texas residents, whereas others change by utility company, city and municipality.
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 |
Rebate Program CoServ - Solar Energy Rebate | Rebates tiered based on kW installed |
Loan Program City of Plano - Smart Energy Loan Program | $25,000 |
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. |
Consider these key points before hiring a solar installation expert.
Your solar panel system's size is influenced by your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and will potentially require bigger solar setups. An undersized system may be unable to fully energize your house.
Your solar installation project could be subject to relevant codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as arrange an inspection.
Not all residences get equal amounts of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rainfall levels and harsh weather can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn't get enough sun, it may require more panels with higher wattage.
A number of solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries store extra energy, which can be crucial for preventing power loss in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors not only influence the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of space the panels take up 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.
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