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What To Look for in a Solar Company
Texas has more than 600 solar companies serving customers in the state, many of which operate in Austin. Such a large volume can make it hard for Austin homeowners to choose the right solar installer. Here are a few things to consider when narrowing down your list of solar companies:
Top 6 Solar Companies in Austin of 2023
The following are our picks for the best solar companies in Austin:
Compare Austin Solar Companies
The average cost of solar power in Texas is $2.51 per watt. So, a typical 6 kW system in the Lone Star State would cost about $15,060. Solar is cheaper in Texas compared to the national average cost of $2.85 per watt. The following table shows pricing and other information for our picks for the best solar companies in Austin.
*Pricing data is based on responses to our March 2023 solar survey of 1,000 homeowners with installed solar systems.
**BBB ratings are accurate as of September 2023.
Our Recommendation
We think that solar power is a worthwhile investment in Austin, and choosing a reputable installer can help maximize your savings while ensuring reliable service. If you are interested in local experts, Freedom Solar is a good option, while SunPower is a strong national brand with longstanding experience. Similarly, Elevation Solar makes sense if you want a holistic, whole-home energy efficiency overhaul.
Some other solar contractors in Austin worth mentioning are Buda-based HE Solar, Tesla Energy and Longhorn Solar. We recommend you request free quotes from multiple installers to compare before you sign a purchase agreement with a solar installer.
Benefits of Going Solar in Austin
As with other cities in Texas, there are a handful of benefits to installing solar power in Austin.
- Electricity bill savings: One of the biggest benefits of installing solar panels on your roof is being able to lower your utility bills. Based on your roof size, layout and energy needs, solar panels can offset up to 100% of your grid power consumption and its associated costs. Austin may not have high electricity prices compared to some other cities, but going solar can still save residents thousands of dollars in energy bills over the years.
- Protection from rising power costs: Austin recently approved a request by Austin Energy for a 5% hike in electricity rates before the end of 2024. Such price hikes are not uncommon, and over 20 to 30 years, Austin residents can see a significant cumulative price increase. Solar panel systems offset your grid power cost and minimize the impact of such price hikes.
- Lowered carbon emissions: Unlike fossil fuels, solar panels emit no greenhouse gasses because there is no combustion of carbon-based components. In Texas, about a fifth of the state’s energy still comes from coal, one of the biggest contributors to global warming. As homeowners in Texas switch to solar, the state’s reliance on coal will gradually decrease, thus decreasing its cumulative carbon emissions and contribution to global warming.
- Security from power outages: A recent study showed that Texas has the most major power outages of any state. The state’s grid strains to capacity, and utility companies must introduce blackouts, especially in the summer. Homes with solar panels and energy storage systems can power essential appliances even through a multi-day blackout, providing peace of mind to homeowners seeking energy resilience.
- Increased home value: Any upgrade that improves the energy efficiency of a home can boost the value of that home. Some studies suggest that new home buyers are willing to spend more on solar-powered homes than comparable homes without solar. Studies show that, on average, solar panels boost a home’s value by 4.1%. With Austin’s average home price of $557,292, solar panels could add $22,848 in value.
Austin Solar Incentives
The city of Austin does not have as many solar incentives and rebates as some other cities around the country. However, federal and local incentives can save homeowners thousands of dollars when they go solar.
Federal Incentives
Like most other U.S. cities, Austin’s most beneficial solar incentive is the federal solar tax credit or Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This national tax incentive offers a reduction in your income taxes equal to 30% of your total solar power system cost. Given Austin’s average solar cost of $15,060, the federal tax credit could save you about $4,518 in income taxes.
Texas Incentives
The state of Texas offers the following solar incentives:
Austin Incentives
Austin residents who are customers of Austin Energy can also take advantage of the following solar incentive:
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