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4 best solar companies in Waco, 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 4 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Waco. 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 Waco, Texas requires you to hire a solar installer with the right certification, expertise and experience. We've assembled a list of top solar companies in Waco to help you choose the right installer.
Prior to picking an installer, get referrals, review potential installers and get multiple quotes to determine the best company for you. You can go with a local Waco solar company or use 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 solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that moving to solar energy allows Waco homeowners to save approximately $1,300 per year.
The services from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Waco
Seek out Waco solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reading through previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so make a note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Solar CenTex
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Allegiance Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Electrical & Retrofit Solutions Inc
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Energize With Sunrise
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Waco?
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Waco, can still use solar power. The top reasons to go solar are:
- 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.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would instead be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that generating electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Going with solar energy enables you to cut your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels replaces electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.
Facts about Waco
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 Waco?
Based on our survey carried out in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is impacted by your sunlight availability, roof orientation, system size, shading, area and labor costs. Selecting accessories 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 Waco generally runs about $17,686.
How much can you save by going solar in Waco?
Though installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can achieve significant savings on your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Waco from going solar
In Waco, you can expect to save money after going completely to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to earn back its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, the average payback period for solar installations in Waco is 14 years.
- Annual solar savings in Waco: Based on calculations that leverage data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy, Waco homeowners save around $1,255 annually with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from NASA and the EIA, by switching fully to solar, you can expect to see a total savings of around $17,085 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Waco from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy decreases your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 84 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 2100 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Waco?
A variety of solar incentives are available to Waco homeowners. Some programs are available to all Texas residents, while others differ by utility company, city and municipality.
Available solar incentives for Texas homeowners, as stated by 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 |
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 Waco solar installer?
Consider the following before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
What size system do you need?
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 bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local laws. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same sun exposure. Local tree coverage, rain and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need additional panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery facilitates the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This proves particularly beneficial when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. The extra battery storage could raise the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and roof space requirements.
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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