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10 best solar companies in San Marcos, Texas
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 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of San Marcos. 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 Marcos, Texas requires you to hire a solar installer with proper certification, expertise and experience. We've created a list of the best solar companies in San Marcos to help you choose the perfect installer.
Before deciding on an installer, request recommendations from others, evaluate the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in San Marcos or choose an established national brand.
- 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
While installing solar panels requires a significant initial investment, it can reduce your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that transitioning to solar energy enables San Marcos homeowners to save an average of $1,500 every year.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Prior to arranging your solar panel installation, compare different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in San Marcos
When researching San Marcos solar companies, find those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a positive reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and take note of frequent bad reviews.
Texas Solar Guys
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
White Label Solar & Lighting
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
NATiVE Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Wells Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Lighthouse Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
512 Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Freedom Solar Power - San Antonio Solar Panel Installers
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
ATX Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Advanced Solar & Electric
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
CAM Solar
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.
ADT Solar
IES Texas Solar
The American Power Company
Optimum Solar USA
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in San Marcos?
The San Marcos region gets plenty of sunlight, which is great for homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Here are the top reasons to go solar:
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar reduces your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would be 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: Adopting solar energy lets you lower your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels replaces electricity that would otherwise be bought from utility providers.
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can power electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the surest method to ensure your electric car is running on clean, renewable energy.
Facts about San Marcos
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 San Marcos?
Based on the results of our survey done in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally 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 cost increases if you select any extras like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
According to data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in San Marcos averages around $17,567.
How much can you save by going solar in San Marcos?
While solar panel installation may be a hefty initial cost, you stand to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in San Marcos from going solar
Homeowners in San Marcos who move completely to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and things such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to earn back its initial cost. The payback period in San Marcos is around 11 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA.
- Annual solar savings in San Marcos: San Marcos homeowners can anticipate saving around $1,501 annually on average by switching to solar power, according to our analysis of data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can expect to save around $23,336 over 25 years, according to our calculations from the EIA and NASA.
Energy savings in San Marcos from going solar
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also shrinks your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are estimated 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 San Marcos?
Homeowners in San Marcos can be eligible for several solar incentives. Some are available across the state for all Texas residents, and others are based on your municipality, city and utility company.
Per the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives available for 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 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 |
Rebate Program City of San Marcos - Distributed Generation Rebate Program | Solar PV: $1.00/WWind: $1.00/W |
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 San Marcos solar installer?
Consider these key points before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't expansive enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to obtain the required permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, rain and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A lot of solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is particularly beneficial when you want to avoid power loss in a storm. Adding battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors not only affect the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up 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.
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