The best solar installers in Texas
Texas is large enough that no single installer can cover the state well — this top 5 deliberately spans four of the state's major metros (Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio) so homeowners get at least one strong local-to-them option in the top picks. For other regions of the state, see the Honorable mentions below.
IntegrateSun Local
Why listed: 4.3-star Google rating from 309 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Freedom Solar Power Local
Why listed: 4.5-star Google rating from 1012 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Solartime USA Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 384 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
South Texas Solar Systems Local
Why listed: 3.1-star Google rating from 146 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Atma Energy Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 108 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new Texas residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), Trinity Solar (East Coast only, doesn't serve most states), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026 — heavy former Texas presence; do not confuse with Austin-based Freedom Solar Power, a separate operating company listed above). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Texas solar economics in 2026
| Metric | Texas average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.12–$0.18 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.75–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,500–1,650 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Varies by retail electric provider — Green Mountain, Octopus, and others offer 1:1 buyback |
| Average cash payback | 12–14 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
Texas solar incentives and rebates (2026)
Texas stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
Texas state-level incentives
- Property tax exemption: TX Tax Code §11.27 exempts the increase in home value from solar from property tax assessment; automatic — no application required.
- Sales tax: No statewide solar-specific sales tax exemption.
Net metering & utility programs in Texas
No state-mandated net metering. Each utility / Retail Electric Provider sets its own buyback structure — Austin Energy (Value of Solar), CPS Energy bill credit, Oncor + CenterPoint + AEP TX customers must choose an REP with solar buyback. Plan choice can shift 25-year savings by 30%+. See also net metering explained.
- Austin Energy: Value of Solar (VoS) tariff — bill credit at separately calculated rate. austinenergy.com
- CPS Energy (San Antonio): Solar PV rebate (verify 2026) plus bill-credit structure. www.cpsenergy.com
- Oncor / CenterPoint / AEP TX: Deregulated — choose a Retail Electric Provider with solar-buyback plan.
- PEC, Bluebonnet, GVEC, Pedernales (cooperatives): Each cooperative sets its own buyback rules.
Texas EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many Texas utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: www.puc.texas.gov
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=TX — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in Texas
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from Texas installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any Texas installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — strong Texas-based alternatives across the major metros, plus regional installers that serve Texas from neighboring states.
Other Texas-based installers
TriSMART Solar Local
Why listed: 4.4-star Google rating from 622 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
512 Solar Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 588 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
NATiVE Solar Local
Why listed: 4.7-star Google rating from 89 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Awake Solar Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 163 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Regional installers serving Texas
Worth a quote if you're in the Texas Panhandle (closer to New Mexico/Oklahoma), East Texas (closer to Louisiana/Arkansas), or far West Texas / El Paso — but expect longer drive times for service calls than a fully Texas-based installer.
Power Pro Solutions Local
Why listed: 4.6-star Google rating from 33 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Tip: Texas net-metering varies dramatically by utility. Austin Energy uses Value of Solar (no traditional NEM — bill credits at a separately-calculated rate). CPS Energy (San Antonio) has its own bill-credit structure. Oncor / CenterPoint / AEP TX require you to pick a retail provider with a buyback plan — the plan choice can change 25-year savings by 30%+. Make sure your installer models savings against the specific retail-provider buyback plan you'll actually use, not generic "net metering."
Frequently asked questions about Texas solar
Does solar make sense in Texas?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. Texas's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical Texas solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable Texas solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in Texas; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.