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Wells Solar

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6.4

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: November 6th, 2023

Founded in 2014, Wells Solar has quickly made a name for itself in the Texas solar market. Wells Solar is an active member of the Texas Solar Energy Society, employs NABCEP-certified electricians, and is one of five certified installers of the Tesla Powerwall backup battery system in their state.

And with more than 4,000 solar installation projects representing 9,500 kilowatts of clean energy under its belt, the solar company earned a coveted spot on Solar Power World Magazine’s “Solar Contractors” list in 2019 and 2020. The company also ranked in Inc. 500 list #207 in 2018 and ranks #1,542 on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list.

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The Good

  • Quality Equipment, Competitive Warranties
  • Multiple Solar Financing Options
  • Awards and Certifications

Quality Equipment, Competitive Warranties

Wells Solar showcases its high-quality solar panel installation projects on its website, and unlike many of its competitors, is upfront about the specific equipment it builds into each solar project. While the company primarily uses solar modules from Hanwha Q-Cell, it has also been known to use solar panels from Mission, Jinko Solar, and Panasonic. All four solar panel brands rank highly for energy efficiency, durability, and financially-stable backing.

As for inverter options, Wells Solar uses primarily SolarEdge, a leading solar inverter manufacturer that boasts one of the highest efficiency ratings on the market. Not only are homeowners receiving high efficiency panels with their solar PV system, but through the company's micro and string inverter devices, most of that energy (around 98 percent) will successfully be translated into usable renewable electricity for the home. Additionally, you can monitor and optimize your system from your phone using the mySolarEdge app.

These brands represent some of the best in the industry, and their high-efficiency products will ultimately help homeowners save on their electric bill.

In addition to its high-quality equipment, Wells attaches a 25-year warranty to each solar energy system it installs — including parts, labor, and any other system component. This means in the event of an installation error or faulty equipment, Wells Solar will service or replace the defective part free of charge during the first 25 years of system operation.

Multiple Solar Financing Options

Wells Solar offers three main financing options to Texas residents looking to invest in solar power:

  • Cash purchase — Wells Solar accepts all major credit cards as well as cash to fund a residential solar system. Through outright purchase, customers can start saving on their monthly utility bill from day one. They will also have access to the crucial federal tax credit, which will save the homeowner a significant percentage of the total retail cost of the system.
  • Solar loan financing — For customers who don't have the tens of thousands of dollars required to finance a system upfront, Wells Solar offers an additional financing option that allows them to pay off the system over time. Payment terms range from six months to 12 years, and customers will still enjoy all the benefits of ownership, including low monthly payments.
  • Solar PPA — Through the company's Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) option, customers don't pay for the system at all; rather they only pay for the energy that system produces each month, often at a lower rate than their current energy bill. The solar lease option is not available.

Wells Solar also arms customers with ample information on Texas' solar policies and incentives that will help them save even more on their solar panel systems:

  • Utility rebates — Austin Energy, CPS Energy, and Oncor, some of the leading utility providers in Texas, all provide some form of solar rebate to system owners, ranging from $2,500 to $8,500.
  • Solar buybacks (net metering) — Utility providers Green Mountain Energy, Austin Energy, and Reliant all offer some kind of net metering policy to customers, meaning they will credit solar users up to 100 percent for the excess energy their solar PV system pumps into the utility grid.

Awards and Certifications

In addition to its "Top Solar Contractor" status by Solar Power World Magazine in 2019 and 2020, as well as a nod from Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in the nation, Wells Solar also employs electricians who have been certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), meaning the company's technicians have passed exams recognized by the solar industry at large as representing the best practices and highest standards in solar installation.

Additionally, the company is a Tesla Powerwall Certified installer and offers bundle options for customers looking to invest in solar while also retaining a battery backup strategy in the event of a power outage. The company holds active status as a member of the Texas Solar Energy Society, a nonprofit whose mission is solar advocacy within the Lone Star State. Wells Solar was also voted #1 turnkey residential solar installer for the state of Texas.

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The Bad

  • Limited Service Area

Limited Service Area

Wells Solar’s service areas is limited to select cities across Texas, including the following:

  • Austin
  • Bastrop
  • Belton
  • DFW
  • Harker Heights
  • Killeen
  • San Antonio
  • Temple
  • Waco

Although this service area represents a fairly numerous customer base, the company is still at somewhat of a disadvantage when compared with solar providers with a more established national presence. Leveraging verified Wells Solar reviews from actual customers can sometimes help locally focused companies distinguish themselves from the rest of the crowd.

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The Bottom Line

Overall, Wells Solar is a reputable company that has the evidence to back up its claims of high-quality solar cells and service. Despite a limited service area, the company has provided solar to thousands of Texas residents, and has both an impressive portfolio as well as financing options that are worth investigating.

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