Texas Solar Outfitters

Marshall Harkins of Texas Solar Outfitters made everything easy throughout the process. System was sketched based on aerial images before visit. Then home visit ensured proper conditions in place.
Contrary to misperceptions, solar prices have plunged. With Houston sunlight, south facing roof, and low interest rate loans available within minutes via Solar Outfitters funding partners, solar slips south of prior power prices. I compute 8c/​kWh BEFORE 30 percent tax credit, so 5−6c/kWh if you keep it (I plan to donate mine via WhyNotPedagogy toward WhyNotGoGreen efforts at Rice University).
Look for solar power prices to continue plunge. Solar PV modules cost under $ 500/​kW to manufacture, yet my system cost well over $ 3000/​kW. I doubt Texas Solar Outfitters pocketed more than minor share of gap, since inverters and monitoring add cost. Bigger issue is lack of competition and economies of scale, as Texas just recently cracked top 10 states for solar capacity despite its vast vastness and sunny solar situation. Solar City arrival will bring new funding scheme and competition. Even though solar outperforms grid electricity today and saves immediately, early adopters will overpay relative to later ones.
Other thoughts:
1. Be sure to use referral program and Angie’s List coupon to save, if still available
2. My past 3 bills: +$ 2, -$ 15, -$ 35 for Oct-​Dec 2015, thanks to Green Mountain Energy net metering
SurplusSolar has turned me into SolarCarSeeker, looking at Tesla and other EVs to SoakUpMySurplus SoakUpMySolar
The negative bills come despite company’s prediction that my 6 kW system would provide 49 percent of my power for 3900 sf home, built in 1950s with 2000 expansion. This is not to blame Harkins and TSO for failing to predict my system’s better than imagined performance. It does show the power of LEDs, EnergySTAR, smart thermostats with remotes, radiant barriers, insulation photocells for outdoor lights, etc to slash electric bills even more than solar can. Those energy efficiency measures achieve payback times of months, vs the about 10 years of rooftop solar. They won’t turn heads or capture captivating conversation like solar, but they can empower smaller solar solutions.
In my case, as subzero bills accumulate Green Mountain credits, I’m seeking solar car. But there are worse fates: no complaints.
Bottom line: So far so good on solar, and better than expected on subzero electricity bills.

Impressive, competent company!!!
This company just installed a fantastic, extensive solar power system for us. They were wonderfully priced and we were impressed with the quality of their products and workmanship. Their knowledge of the ins and outs of the business is truly impressive. We are so fortunate to have found this group of people to take care of our instillation. They also acted as a liaison between our local electricity provider and ourselves, knowing exactly what we needed to complete the process. We worked with Walker and Amanda and they were both on top of everything to see that the process went smoothly. We are extremely please with the integrity of this business.