Best 10 Solar Companies in El Paso, TX

El Paso homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to generate energy and heat their water. If you're thinking about going solar, you might be anxious about expensive upfront costs. By partnering with a knowledgeable installer, you'll have both the financial and technical support you need for a successful transition. On this page, we'll highlight El Paso's most reputable solar installers and offer valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We analyzed a multitude of El Paso solar companies, using the following criteria to determine the top-notch:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most El Paso solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the El Paso community for more than a decade.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.

• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on your power company for your safety and comfort.
• Lowered energy bills: With solar energy systems, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to El Paso Homeowners?

Governments and utilities often incentivize homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in El Paso

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately operate. Consider all of these factors in your business search.

Licensing and Training

All solar installers in Texas must have a state electrical contractors' license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners regulates plumbing regulations and licensing standards for solar thermal installers. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in El Paso

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not all solar providers offer these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's a priority for you.

You can plan to spend about $16,650 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in El Paso. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount El Paso solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in El Paso

There are numerous ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, leases, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for providers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in El Paso.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy