Choosing a Solar Company in Texas: What to Look For

Quick Answer

Choose a Texas solar company that's locally established, properly licensed, manufacturer-certified, and priced fairly — not the cheapest or the most aggressive. The company that installs your system should still exist in 10 years.

The Texas Solar Company Problem

75–80% of solar companies that existed in Texas 3 years ago are now out of business.

This includes:

- National companies that pulled out of the market

- Fly-by-night operations that were never meant to last

- Legitimate companies that couldn't survive industry changes

The result: Thousands of Texans with "orphaned" solar systems and no one to call for service.

Red Flags: Companies to Avoid

🚩 Door-to-Door High Pressure

"This price is only good today!" — Classic scam tactic. Good companies let you think.

🚩 No Local Presence

If they don't have a verifiable Texas office, who services your system when something breaks?

🚩 Way Below Market Pricing

At $2.00/watt, there's no margin for service, warranty work, or staying in business. They're planning to disappear.

🚩 Won't Provide License Number

Texas requires electrical contractor licenses for solar. If they won't share it, they might not have one.

🚩 Unknown Equipment Brands

If you can't Google the panel or inverter manufacturer, you can't get warranty service.

🚩 Pushy About "Their" Financing

Some companies make more from financing kickbacks than the installation. Get your own quotes.

Green Flags: What Good Companies Have

✅ 5+ Years in Texas Market

Surviving multiple industry cycles shows staying power.

✅ Verifiable Local Office

You should be able to visit them. Check Google Maps, BBB, Yelp.

✅ Manufacturer Certifications

Enphase Platinum Partner — Only 5–6 companies in all of Texas have this. It requires volume, training, and quality metrics.

Tesla Powerwall Certified — If they offer Tesla batteries.

✅ Proper Licensing

Texas Electrical Contractor License (verify at TDLR website). NABCEP certification is a bonus.

✅ W2 Installation Crews

Companies with their own employees (not just subcontractors) have more accountability.

✅ Clear Warranty Terms

- Equipment warranty (usually manufacturer, 25 years for Enphase)

- Workmanship warranty (installer, 10 years is standard, some offer more)

✅ Fair Pricing

$2.70–$3.50/watt is the fair range for quality installation in Texas. Below that, question what's being cut. Above that, make sure you're getting premium equipment.

Questions to Ask Texas Solar Companies

About the Company

1. "How long have you been installing in Texas?"

2. "Where is your local office? Can I visit?"

3. "What's your Texas electrical contractor license number?"

4. "Are you an Enphase Platinum (or Gold) partner?"

5. "Do you use W2 employees or subcontractors for installation?"

About Equipment

6. "What specific panels and inverters do you use?" (Get model numbers)

7. "Why do you recommend this equipment for my situation?"

About Warranties

8. "What's your workmanship warranty?"

9. "What happens to my warranty if your company closes?"

10. "Who handles manufacturer warranty claims — you or me?"

About Service

11. "What's your typical response time for service calls?"

12. "Do you charge for service visits under warranty?"

13. "Can I talk to customers you installed 3+ years ago?"

Understanding Texas Pricing

Fair Price Range (2026)

What Affects Price

- Equipment quality (premium vs. budget tier 1)

- Roof complexity (steep, tile, multiple planes)

- Electrical work needed (panel upgrade)

- Company overhead (legit businesses cost more than fly-by-night)

The Service Reality

Here's what most people don't think about: solar systems need service.

- Microinverter failures (covered by warranty, but someone has to swap it)

- Monitoring issues

- Production problems

- Roof leaks at penetrations

- Critter damage

- Storm damage assessment

The company you choose today is the company you'll call for the next 10–25 years. Choose accordingly.

After the Sale

Get Everything in Writing

- Total price and price per watt

- Exact equipment (model numbers)

- What's included vs. excluded

- Timeline expectations

- Warranty terms

Keep Your Documents

- Contract

- Permits

- Inspection reports

- Equipment serial numbers

- Warranty certificates

If your company does disappear, these documents help you get manufacturer warranty service.

Bottom Line

In Texas's wild solar market, choosing the right company matters more than getting the absolute lowest price.

Pay a fair price to a company that will answer the phone in 5 years. The cheapest quote today often becomes the most expensive mistake tomorrow.