Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Panola, Texas. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated solar installer focused on residential and commercial projects across East Texas. They are known for personalized service, thorough consultations, and expertise in both grid-tied and battery backup systems. They handle the entire process from design to permitting and installation.
A larger, Texas-based solar company with a strong presence across the state, including East Texas. They offer a full suite of services and have partnerships with major equipment manufacturers. Their strength lies in diverse financing options and a streamlined process for homeowners.
A specialized contractor focusing exclusively on solar and battery storage solutions for East Texas. They pride themselves on deep local knowledge, including understanding regional weather patterns and utility policies. They are a great option for both new installations and maintenance of existing systems.
** The home solar market in Panola, Texas, is characteristic of a rural area: there are no dedicated solar installation companies physically located within the city limits. Therefore, homeowners are served by reputable regional contractors based in larger hubs like Longview and Tyler, which are within a 60-90 minute drive. The competition level is moderate, with a handful of established providers actively marketing and servicing the region. The quality of these providers is generally high, as they have built their reputation on serving multiple rural communities. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in this region is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. This translates to a gross cost of **$25,000 to $35,000** for a typical 10 kW system. However, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can reduce this cost by 30%. Financing is widely available through loan providers and lease/PPA options offered directly by the installers. These companies are well-versed in the specific interconnection policies of utilities like SWEPCO that operate in the area.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Panola regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Panola, Texas.
For a typical 6kW to 8kW system in Panola, homeowners can expect an average gross cost between $18,000 and $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, you benefit from the 30% federal solar tax credit, and Texas has no state property tax on the added home value from solar. While there are no specific Panola city rebates, Oncor is the local utility provider and offers net metering, allowing you to earn bill credits for excess energy sent back to the grid.
Panola's abundant sunshine, averaging over 200 sunny days per year, is excellent for solar energy production. The primary local considerations are high summer temperatures, which can slightly reduce panel efficiency, and potential hail. We recommend installing panels with a high temperature coefficient and impact resistance rating (like UL 61730) to withstand occasional severe East Texas storms, ensuring long-term durability and performance.
Prioritize installers licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and who are familiar with Oncor's specific interconnection requirements. Look for established local or regional companies with strong references in the area, as they will understand Panola County's permitting process and can properly assess your roof's condition, which is important given our local weather patterns. Always compare multiple detailed quotes and warranty terms.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from Panola County, the physical installation (which usually takes 1-3 days), and the final inspection and interconnection approval from Oncor. Seasonal factors can influence timing; for instance, high demand in spring can sometimes lead to slightly longer wait times for inspections.
A standard grid-tied solar system will automatically shut off during a grid outage for safety, even if the sun is shining. To have power during outages, you must pair your solar panels with a battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a particularly valuable consideration in our region, as it provides energy security during storm-related outages and allows you to use your stored solar energy at night.