The Texas power grid isn’t known for its reliability. If power outages in your area are frequent enough, feelings of frustration can start to bubble up. Installing solar panels and battery storage is just one way to keep your home up and running when the power goes out.
Ever since winter storm Uri, Texas has seen a major increase in solar and battery storage installations. This rise in solar adoption did not make Texas electric utilities happy, according to Patrice Parsons, executive director of the Texas Solar Energy Society.
“There was a little bit of backlash from the utilities,” she said. “They started changing the payback period for customers, which means it takes longer to pay your [solar panel] system off. This really sent out the wrong market signal.”
Things are a bit different in San Antonio. “San Antonio is one of the best cities for solar,” Parsons said. “You have good installers who know how to treat their customers and you have a utility that values solar.”
CPS Energy’s (the local electric utility in San Antonio) rebate program no longer exists, but the utility company still offers resources and programs to encourage solar installation. Here’s what you need to know about going solar in San Antonio.
Best national solar panel companies in San Antonio
To get your solar journey started, you’ll first need to find a reputable solar company in your area. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best national solar companies that also operate in San Antonio, according to CNET’s ranking of the best solar companies.
Palmetto Solar
Solar panels are typically low maintenance equipment, but they're also unfamiliar. If you want to reap the benefits of solar but will have a bit more peace of mind if someone else is making sure it's working, Palmetto might be a good fit for you. Just remember to add the cost of Palmetto's monitoring service in to your payback period calculations.
Elevation
Elevation's focus on your home's energy efficiency isn't the norm in the industry. If you're planning on addressing energy efficiency first, working with Elevation allows you to keep the whole process with one company. Elevation's solar equipment comes from well-established and well-regarded companies. Elevation's warranties on workmanship and weatherization could be a bit longer.
Freedom Forever
Include Freedom Forever in your search if you want the backing of a national company that installs a wide variety of the most popular solar equipment available. Freedom Forever also extends a couple of products that take some of the pain and risk out of going solar, like a production guarantee and an escrow option with cash purchases. Online reviews say customer satisfaction has been low of late, though the company says that's changing.
Tesla Solar
Tesla's solar branch seems to be the least loved of Elon Musk's ventures. Even Tesla's Solar Roof seems to get more love.
If price is the thing you won't budge on, consider Tesla. By all accounts, Tesla installs quality panels and makes the closest thing there is to a household name in solar storage: the Powerwall.
Where you might miss out is customer service. Discussion online seems to suggest Tesla's service is a bit of a gamble.
Momentum Solar
Momentum installs in 11 states without using subcontractors. While using in-house installers doesn't guarantee a better experience, it does suggest you're likely to get a more uniform experience from Momentum. The fact that Momentum backs its installations with a 25-year workmanship warranty hints at a strong belief in its crews' ability. If Momentum is part of your search, consider the warranties against leaks that other companies offer. Momentum's is five years, which isn't the best.
NRG Clean Power
NRG Clean Power brings one of the solar industry's most confident approaches to its work, offering a price match and 40-year warranty. NRG Clean Power is a solid bet as long as you live in Texas and California. NRG Clean Power does not offer leases or power purchase agreements, but it does provide solar panel cleaning and roofing services as well as a reliable equipment menu.
Local solar panel installers in San Antonio
Large national solar companies aren’t your only options for going solar. You should also consider looking into some of the local solar installers in your area. Comparing quotes with local companies helps you find the best price and service based on your needs and location. Here are two highly-rated local installers in San Antonio.
Based in San Antonio and founded in 2020, Atma Energy is relatively new to the Texas solar market. Atma designs and installs solar panels for homes and businesses. The company focuses on educating customers about solar energy throughout the installation process. You can start by designing your solar system on Atma’s website.
Since 2014, Solar Sunny Side Up has provided solar services to San Antonio and surrounding areas. In addition to solar installation for residents and businesses, Solar Sunny Side Up offers cleaning and maintenance to keep your solar panels working efficiently. After submitting your current electricity bill, the process starts with a solar proposal, which includes information about your home, energy consumption and a potential panel design.
How to determine which solar company is best for me
Finding a reputable solar company in Texas can be a lengthy process, but you want to make sure you find the right installer for the job the first time. You can start by getting solar quotes from multiple companies, so you can compare prices and your own customer experience.
“It’s very hard to compare bid to bid,” Parsons said. “Ask the solar company to make it really simple. Installers should give you a summary page explaining what you’re getting, how much it costs and how long it will take to get a return.”
The right solar company will make the process smooth and hassle-free. While challenges like permitting may arise, a good solar company will handle these issues and keep you informed every step of the way. Here are a few more factors to consider when choosing a solar company.
- Certification: Ensure your chosen solar company has proper credentials. The National American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners sets the rules for what installers need to know, required experience and professionalism in the renewable energy field. You can check the NAPCEP database to determine the status of your chosen solar company.
- Reviews: Reading online customer testimonials can be a great way to learn about their other customer’s experiences with a specific company, although these reviews should be taken with a grain of salt. If you know someone who has solar panels, you can also ask for their recommendations.
- Avoid scams: Be aware of pushy sales tactics with misleading promises of solar savings. Solar panels are expensive -- if anyone offers you free panels, it’s most likely a scam. Reputable solar companies will offer transparent prices, so you know exactly what you’re paying for and how much it costs.
Cost of solar panels in San Antonio
Solar panels are a big investment, often costing tens of thousands of dollars. The cost of going solar is more than just the panels. You’ll also have to factor in labor costs and the rest of the solar equipment that’s necessary to make the system. If your monthly energy consumption is on the higher end, you will likely need more panels. The more panels you need, the more expensive your system is going to be.
On the other hand, if you choose to offset only a portion of your energy usage with solar, you can install a smaller system and reduce the total price. What you’ll really be paying the most for are the soft costs. Soft costs, like company overhead, labor and sales and marketing, make up to 65% of the total cost of a solar panel system in the US. These costs likely won’t be listed on your invoice or quote, but they are factored into the total.
Solar panel costs are based on a price per watt basis and vary by location. The average price per watt in Texas is $3.33, according to data from FindEnergy. So an average 6-kilowatt solar system will likely cost you around $20,000. Fortunately, you can reduce this price with federal and state solar incentives.
Nailing down a solar cost estimate on your own is difficult. Because solar is such a site-dependent purchase, the best way to get an accurate estimate is by having an installer visit your property. Try getting multiple quotes from several installers in your area. If there’s an installer you enjoyed your experience with, but gave you a high quote, ask if that installer will price match a lower quote. You might be surprised at the response.
Average cost of solar panels in Texas vs. the US
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| Typical system size (kW) | Price per watt | Total installed cost (before incentives) | Total cost after 30% federal tax credit | |
| San Antonio, Texas | 9 | $3.33 | $29,970 | 20,979 |
| National average | 6.67 | $3.67 | $31,558 | $22,091 |
San Antonio solar panel incentives and rebates
The upfront costs of solar can be intimidating, but there are federal and state solar incentives that can help make solar more accessible. Like most parts of the US, the best incentive you have to go solar in San Antonio is the federal solar tax credit, offered through the Inflation Reduction Act. This tax credit allows you to claim up to 30% of the total cost of your solar panel system on your federal taxes.
CPS Energy used to offer a solar rebate, but the program has closed. The utility company still offers community solar as an alternative to installing panels on your roof. You’ll be able to take advantage of Texas’s net metering policy, allowing you to sell any excess energy your panels generate to the grid.
San Antonio residential solar incentives
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| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Federal residential clean energy credit | This is a 30% federal tax credit for solar or battery installations between 2022 and 2033. |
| Net metering | Your utility will credit you for any extra energy you send back to the grid at the full retail rate, up to the amount you use each month. Any excess energy beyond that will be credited at a lower rate. |
| CPS Energy solar water heater rebate | Install an eligible solar water heater and earn a rebate of up to $2,000. |
| Community solar | Local community solar is offered through CPS Energy. Spots for these projects fill up fast. |
| Property tax exemption | Solar panel systems are fully exempt from property tax increases. |
Installation factors to keep in mind
Solar panels can rack up big savings on your electric bill, but they aren’t a great idea for every home. Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding if solar is right for your home.
- Your rooftop: If your roof is old or damaged, you’ll need to repair it before adding solar panels. Your roof is the base of the panels, so you need a strong roof that will last for the lifetime of your system (at least 25 years). Some rooftops are shaded by trees or other obstructions. To get the most out of your solar system, you’ll want to remove anything blocking the sun from your panels. You may want to get a quote for tree removal to make sure those additional costs fit into your budget.
- Roof angle: The pitch and angle of your roof also matter. If your roof has a steep pitch or difficult angle, it may need additional mounting or equipment. This could increase the cost, but a reputable solar installer will provide recommendations during a site visit.
- San Antonio peak sun hours: It’s no surprise your solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity. Experts say an average of four peak sun hours per day is best for optimal performance. On average, Texas receives 4.6 to 5.9 hours of peak sunlight daily, so you can efficiently power your home with solar in San Antonio.
- HOA regulations: HOAs can not ban solar panel systems in San Antonio, thanks to Texas solar access laws. You may have specific restrictions, such as positioning or location. Check with your HOA for more details and approval requirements.
- Homeowners insurance: Your policy likely covers solar panels, but call your insurance agent before installation to double-check. If solar isn’t covered, consider adding it to your policy.
- Renting vs owning: Renters often can’t make big changes to the property. If you rent a single-family house, consider chatting with your landlord about solar panels. They might be open to the idea and need your help to get started. If you rent an apartment, you can chat with your property manager, but you may also need to get other tenants on board.
How to pay for solar panels in San Antonio
Cash is king in terms of getting the most significant return, but there are many ways to pay for your solar panel system. A reputable solar installer can help you explore your options to find the best payment method for your budget. Here are a few of the most common ways to pay for your panels.
Cash
By paying in cash, you own the solar system, qualify for incentives and avoid extra fees from interest payments that increase the total cost. It also requires a hefty upfront investment. If you don’t have the cash upfront, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways you can go about financing a solar system.
Solar loan
Solar loans are a type of financing offered through your solar company. You’ll be able to spread the cost over time instead of paying upfront with cash. You’ll pay a higher overall cost due to interest fees, but you still get the benefits of ownership and tax credits.
HELOC/Home equity loan
By using a HELOC or home equity loan, you can tap into your home’s equity for lower interest rates. The downside is your home is used as collateral, which is risky if you can’t make payments.
Personal loan
A personal loan from the bank provides flexibility without the risk of losing your house. You’ll likely have higher interest rates and shorter terms with a personal loan compared to a HELOC. Shopping around for lower interest rates can help you save some money before you commit.
Texas Property Assessed Clean Energy (TX-PACE)
The TX-PACE program helps property owners in Texas pay for energy-efficient upgrades, like solar panels, with little to no upfront costs. You can use the savings from your home improvements to cover the payments, which is uncommon with regular loans.
Solar lease
With a solar lease, you don’t have to own the solar panels. Instead, pay a monthly fee for the use of a company-owned solar panel system that gets installed at your home. Solar leases have a low upfront cost, but you won’t get to use any tax credits.
Power purchase agreement
Similar to a lease, you do not own the solar system or benefit from incentives with a power purchase agreement. Instead, you pay a low upfront cost and purchase the energy generated by the solar panels at a fixed rate, usually lower than your utility rate.
How we found the best national solar companies
The companies we listed above as "the best" are curated from CNET's best solar companies list. Companies making the best list are scored on the equipment, warranties and customer service they offer. Then, we make sure these recommendations are available in your state. You can read a full breakdown of how we review solar companies here.
Companies listed under the local installers were chosen in a less rigorous way. We chose them because they offered something unique or notable to customers in the state, they seemed well-regarded by internet reviewers or because they were one of the few installers we could find information on in the state.
Whether we've completed a full review on a company or not, it's always a good idea to get multiple quotes from different installers before choosing a company.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to pay off solar panels?
The average solar payback period in the US is six to 12 years. The exact payback period for your home will vary based on your usage, solar panel system size and other factors. Your solar installer will take each into account to provide an accurate payback period estimate for your home.
Are solar panels worth it in San Antonio?
Yes, solar panels can be worth it for long-term savings on your energy bills and for backup power when the power grid is down. As one of the best cities in Texas for solar, take advantage of having a supportive utility company.
Does San Antonio offer a solar tax credit?
No, there are no city-level tax credits in San Antonio. The best solar incentive in Texas is the federal tax credit which offsets your solar system cost by 30%.