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 San Antonio. 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 San Antonio, Texas, requires hiring a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the ideal team, we’ve assembled a list of the best solar installers in San Antonio.
Prior to hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and get multiple quotes to identify the ideal company for you. You can choose a local San Antonio solar company or use a reputable national brand.
While solar panels call for a big upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy enables San Antonio homeowners to save $1,500 on average each year.
The offerings from different solar technicians vary. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Look for San Antonio 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 high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and take note of frequent bad reviews.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as San Antonio, can still benefit from solar panels. Key reasons to switch to solar are:
Based on a survey we did in October 2023, the average cost of putting in solar panels across the country is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels is influenced by factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price rises if you select any add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
According to data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in San Antonio averages around $17,486.
While installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can achieve considerable savings on your energy bills down the line.
Homeowners in San Antonio who move completely to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and things such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
Switching to solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
Multiple solar incentives are offered to San Antonio homeowners. Some programs are offered to all Texas residents, while others change by municipality, utility company and city.
Here are solar incentives available to Texas residents, according to DSIRE.
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 CPS Energy - Solar PV Rebate Program | First $9 million will pay a flat rebate of $2,500 per project, plus $500 for locally-produced panels Next $5 million will pay a flat rebate of $1,500 per project, plus $500 for locally-produced panels Commercial: $1 million will pay $0.60/Watt, plus an additional $0.10/Watt for locally-produced panels |
Rebate Program Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs | Duct System Replacement: 20% of project cost up to $500 Windows: $2/sq. ft. Heat Pump Water Heater: $300/unit Heat Pumps/Cooling System: $550-$650/unit (depending on efficiency) Attic/Wall Insulation: $0.20/sq. ft. of installed insulation Solar PV Electrical System: $0.75/Watt Solar Water Heater: $1,000/unit Window Solar Screens and/or Film: $0.50/sq. ft. of window New Home Rebate: $3,200 |
Rebate Program Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative - Renewable Energy Rebates | PV: $0.75/watt Solar Water Heaters: $1,000/unit Solar Water Wells: $750/unit |
Rebate Program CPS Energy - Solar Hot Water Rebate Program | $0.60 per kWh saved annually (conventional 50-gallon electric water heater) |
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 household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. Larger houses tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Specific permits and state or local laws could affect your solar project. You’ll need to obtain the required permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Nearby trees, rain conditions and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
For extra power storage, a lot of panel systems include a solar battery. This feature is invaluable during storms and helps to prevent power loss. However, adding battery storage can result in higher installation costs.
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and the space needed 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