San Antonio, Texas, is one of America’s fastest growing cities, and residents can take advantage of several solar rebates in addition to the 30% federal solar tax credit and Texas solar incentives.
If you’re fast, and you’re already a CPS Energy customer in San Antonio, you may be able to receive a solar rebate of up to $3,000 for installing solar at home in the city.
This includes a flat $2,500 rebate per project plus a $500 bonus if you use locally made solar panels.
Unfortunately, this program is set to expire December 16, 2022. So, get your applications in fast once you’ve signed a contract with your installer!
Some San Antonio residents may be eligible for a rebate from Green Mountain Energy (GME). This utility boasts a 100% renewable portfolio and services some addresses in San Antonio. If you’re already a customer, you can apply for rebates typically ranging from $892 to $5,625. The final rebate check will depend on the size of your array, where you live, and the rebate budget when you apply. You’ll also need to use one of the utility’s preferred installation partners, but the good news is that GME includes Freedom Solar Power, one of our highest rated installers, and Native Inc. on this list!
To receive the rebate from Green Mountain Energy, you must sign a 24-month minimum term on the utility’s buyback program (like net metering), plus a rebate agreement. You’ll also need to provide feedback on your solar installation experience. With all the paperwork in, expect to receive your rebate check within 30 days of applying.
How should I choose a solar installer in San Antonio, TX?
One of the best ways to find a great solar installer operating in your area is to ask friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors who have gone solar already. If they recommend their installer, find out more and contact the company if it seems like a good fit. If you don’t know anyone who has installed solar, ask on local messaging boards or see if there’s a local solar enthusiasts club or advisory board! If all else fails you can ask solar companies to give your some names and phone numbers of previous customers you can talk with about their experiences with the installer.
The next step is to get at least three bids.
Ask each installer to fill out the SEIA solar purchase disclosure form. This makes it much easier to weigh the bids against each other as it should allow for direct comparison of things like power output and system specifications. At minimum, each bid should include the total installation cost, system size in kW, and estimated yearly energy output.
Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best! Some San Antonio companies use higher efficiency panels that generate greater returns in a smaller space or shaded conditions. Over time, that efficiency pays for itself, but it may mean a bigger upfront cost. In addition, you might need to pay a little more for an experienced team than you would if you go for a more junior company. If you have any doubts about the professionalism or expertise of a solar installer, walk away. The cost of a botched installation could run into thousands of dollars in repairs and even legal fees.
Before you sign your contract, make sure it includes everything you agreed to verbally. Contracts should include warranties for equipment and labor, the start and end dates of the project (with clear timelines for installation, approvals, and turning the system on), the exact equipment to be installed (specify the panel and inverter brands and models, for instance), and itemized budget, and a list of subcontractors and what will be subcontracted out, if anything.
Our top picks for solar installers in San Antonio
Our top picks for solar installers in San Antonio include some smaller local outfits and a couple of larger companies serving several cities or states. Our top solar companies for San Antonio are:
- Freedom Solar
- HE Solar
- Solar CenTex
- Sunshine Renewable Solutions
- Native Solar
- American Sentry Solar