How to Choose a Home Solar Installer: A Homeowner Guide

Start with the license and the contract. In Texas, solar retailers and salespeople must register with TDLR, and the installation must be done by a licensed electrical contractor named in the contract. In Florida, solar contractors are licensed through DBPR. Then ask your electric utility how it credits the power you send back, because the utility, not the installer, sets those terms.

Key facts

Since September 1, 2026, Texas requires residential solar retailers and solar salespersons to be registered with TDLR to sell or lease home solar systems.
A Texas residential solar contract must let the buyer cancel without penalty by written notice on or before the fifth business day after signing.
Texas residential solar contracts must name the licensed electrical contractor who will perform the installation.
Florida law defines a solar contractor as one who installs, alters, repairs or replaces photovoltaic systems, solar water heating and pool solar heating systems.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas says the State of Texas does not offer grants or rebates for installing solar panels.
The PUC of Texas says the buyback rate for power sent to the grid is usually lower than the retail price you pay.
The U.S. Department of Energy says solar panels typically work most effectively on south-facing roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees.

Who regulates solar sellers and installers?

Texas and Florida regulate solar differently.

In Texas, the Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) now regulates residential solar sales. Since September 1, 2026, solar retailers and solar salespersons must be registered with TDLR to sell or lease home systems (TDLR fact sheet). The installation itself must be done by a licensed electrical contractor, and the contract must name that contractor and the license number.

In Florida, solar contractors are licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. State law defines a solar contractor's work to include photovoltaic systems, solar water heating and pool solar heating (Florida Statutes 489.105).

What does your utility decide?

Your installer builds the system. Your electric utility decides how you are billed and credited for the power you send back.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas says buyback rules depend on your provider. Where you can shop for a retail plan, you can shop for a plan with a buyback rate. City-owned utilities and electric cooperatives set their own rates. In Florida, investor-owned utilities such as FPL and Tampa Electric offer net metering under PSC rules, while city-owned utilities such as OUC and JEA set their own programs.

Call the utility before you sign. Ask what the credit is, when it is paid, and whether the program has changed recently.

Is your roof ready for solar?

The Department of Energy says panels work most effectively on south-facing roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees, though other roofs can work. Heavy shade from trees can make a rooftop a poor fit.

Think about the roof's age. Austin Energy recommends at least 10 years of roof life left before installing, and replacing a damaged roof first. Removing and reinstalling panels later adds work.

What should a solar contract include?

Texas now spells it out. A residential solar contract must say the installation will be done by a licensed electrical contractor, name that contractor, and say who will get the required permits and the utility's interconnection approval. It must allow cancellation through the fifth business day and state the last day to cancel. If an affiliated or referred lender is involved, the contract must require that lender to cancel the loan when you cancel the sale.

Wherever you live, read the warranty terms, who handles repairs after storms, and what happens to a lease or loan when you sell the house.

Can an HOA stop you from going solar?

Mostly no, in both states. Texas law voids HOA rules that prohibit or restrict solar energy devices, with listed exceptions. An HOA can, for example, require roof panels to stay within the roofline and match the roof's slope (Texas Property Code 202.010).

Florida law says deed restrictions and covenants may not prohibit solar collectors. An association may decide where on the roof they go, within an orientation to the south or within 45 degrees east or west of due south, if that doesn't impair how they work (Florida Statutes 163.04).

How to choose a provider

In Texas, look up the solar retailer and salesperson registration with TDLR.
Make sure the contract names the licensed electrical contractor (Texas) or the licensed solar or electrical contractor (Florida).
Ask your utility how it credits exported power before you sign.
Confirm who pulls the permit and who handles the utility's interconnection approval.
Check your roof's age and condition first.
Read the cancellation deadline in the contract and keep a copy.
Ask what happens to any loan, lease or lien when you sell the house.
Get every promise about savings, credits or incentives in writing.

Residential solar installers guides by state and city

Questions people ask

Does a solar installer need a license?

In Texas, the installation must be done by a licensed electrical contractor, and solar retailers and salespeople must register with TDLR. In Florida, solar contractors are licensed through DBPR.

How long do I have to cancel a solar contract in Texas?

Texas requires residential solar contracts to let you cancel without penalty by written notice on or before the fifth business day after you sign.

Will my utility pay me the retail rate for my solar power?

Not necessarily. The PUC of Texas says buyback rates are usually lower than retail. In Florida, terms depend on your utility. Ask before you sign.

Does Texas offer solar rebates?

The PUC of Texas says the state does not offer grants or rebates for solar panels. Some city-owned utilities run their own programs, such as Austin Energy's rebate.

Can my HOA ban solar panels?

Generally no. Texas and Florida laws limit HOA bans on solar, though associations can set some placement and appearance rules.

What kind of roof suits solar?

The Department of Energy says panels typically work most effectively on south-facing roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees, with little shade.

Sources

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.

How do you choose a residential solar installer?