Many Texans are helping to lead the way in solar energy. Thanks to eco-conscious homeowners choosing to install energy-saving sun power, the number of solar users in Texas continues to rise. Using solar power provides a range of benefits, such as saving money on your energy bills to helping promote a greener future. Learn more about the benefits and features of a solar power system in this comprehensive guide.
Why Should I Choose Texas Solar Power?
Investing in solar panels gives you the ability to choose an energy plan that can reduce your energy costs, providing you with independence from the utility grid and allowing you to help the environment. Learn what benefits you can receive from choosing solar power, especially if you’re moving to Texas.
Lower Energy Costs
One of the main benefits of investing in solar power is how much money you can save. Using solar energy can significantly reduce your energy each month. When you install solar panels, the energy needed to power your home comes from the sun instead of a power plant using fossil fuels. You can lower your energy bill by about half the cost of what you’d pay using traditional energy sources. The money you save on electricity will increase your return on investment in solar power.
Energy Independence
When you power your home using the sun, you can reduce your dependency on electricity providers. You won’t encounter a reduction in energy supply when power is in high demand from the grid or face higher rates for your energy consumption. Using solar energy also means that power outages won’t affect your house. As long as you have sunshine on your panels or energy stored in your system, you can still supply power to your home. Both homeowners and business owners can benefit from these factors.
Green Energy
Everyone benefits from the eco-conscious choice of solar energy. Using solar power reduces your impact on the environment. By investing in solar, you reduce your carbon footprint and help fight climate change.
Traditional energy sources emit greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. When you switch to solar energy, you get the benefit of knowing you are taking a step to make your home more friendly to the environment while saving money at the same time.
Solar Panel Cost in Texas
An essential factor to consider when investing in solar power is what the consumer pays. Solar pricing varies depending on the system configuration, panel and home size, installation costs, and any local fees associated with solar power systems.
To calculate solar panel installation costs, you want to look at dollars per watt. According to the Center for Sustainable Energy, residential solar systems typically average about $3 to $5 per watt to install. This figure adds up to a cost between $15,000 and $25,000 for installation. Many areas offer tax credits and other rebates for homeowners who install solar panels, reducing costs further.
Financing and leasing options help homeowners defer the cost of installing a solar system. Typically, homeowners pay a system off six to nine years through a payment plan set up at the time of installation.
Is It Better To Buy Or Lease Solar Panels?
Once you choose to install solar panels on your home, you have a few options for financing and purchasing. Some homeowners decide to buy their entire system and finance the purchase on a payment plan. Another option is to lease your solar panel setup.
Leasing can help reduce the upfront costs of installation and defer repair fees. However, purchasing a system guarantees your investment as part of your home’s value. Homeowners cannot recoup leasing costs through a home sale. Instead, you need to find a homebuyer willing to take on the lease when purchasing your property.
Buying a solar energy system outright also means you can resell it for money if the need arises. Homeowners who buy solar power save more money overall than those who choose to lease a solar energy system.
Another reason to purchase a solar system is the federal tax credit program. The government currently offers a 26% tax credit for home and business owners who purchase or finance their solar installations.
Buying a solar system is the only way to take advantage of these federal rebates.
Rebates and Incentives for Texas Solar Panels
Government programs that encourage green energy consumption like solar power have rapidly increased at the state and federal levels. Policies in states like Texas can help lower your energy costs and reduce upfront expenses for solar power installation at your home.
When you install solar panels at your primary or secondary residence, you’re eligible for the federal tax credit for systems put in place from 2021 to 2022. With no cap in place, you can claim the same amount in federal tax credits regardless of the size of your system. Remember, these tax credits don’t apply to leased panels. You must purchase your solar system to earn a federal tax credit for solar.
Many states and local utilities also offer specific incentives for homeowners and businesses. Several Texas utilities and municipalities offer solar rebate programs such as the following:
- Austin Energy: Homeowners in Austin, Texas, who install solar panels may qualify for a rebate of $2,500. Depending on the kilowatt-hours you generate, you may receive other monetary incentives.
- CPS Energy: If you are a customer of CPS Energy, you may receive compensation up to $1.20/W to sell back the energy your panels generate.
- City of Sunset Valley: Installing solar panels in Sunset Valley makes you eligible for a rebate of up to $1/W.
- Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC): Customers of Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative should contact GVEC to find out more about incentives for homeowners with solar installations.
Essential Factors for Solar Installation
Installing a new solar power system is a significant investment in your property and your finances. Consider these factors from the U.S. Department of Energy before you plan to invest in solar panels:
What Is Your Roof Angle?
Federal guidelines recommend solar panels on roofs that slope at a 15- to a 40-degree angle. They also report that south-facing roofs work best for solar panel installations.
What Is the Condition of Your Roof?
Older roofs that need repairs are not the best candidates for solar panels. Speak with a solar energy professional to help determine your best choice to install a solar system or make repairs to your roof before investing in solar power.
Where Do You Live?
Is your home in an area of the country like Texas that gets sunlight on most days throughout the year? Or do you live in a climate that’s typically rainy with plenty of cloud cover? Locations with prolonged sun exposure are the ideal areas for installing solar panels. If not, you may be better off joining a community solar arrangement or investing in a green energy plan.
Do You Have an HOA?
Before investing in a solar system, check with your HOA guidelines. You may need approval from the HOA before installing solar panels. Some neighborhoods may even prohibit adding anything to your roof.
Solar Panel Companies in Texas
You can find many solar installation companies to choose from in Texas. Many solar installers in Texas can customize a system that meets the energy needs of your home or business. Research the providers in your area before you decide on which installer is best for you. Ask about incentives, financing options, and any other fees associated with installing solar panels on your property. In the meantime, you can explore some ways you can save money on energy costs.
Texas Solar Power FAQs
How Much Can I Save Using Solar Power?
If your area gets plenty of sun, you can potentially lower your electric bill by half of what you pay to a utility company on the grid. The amount of energy you use impacts your bill so that you can also incorporate energy-saving techniques into your solar routine to increase your savings.
What Is the Price of Solar Power in Texas?
Before factoring in tax credits and other rebates, the average residential solar energy system costs between $15,000 to $25,000. This figure uses a cost per watt between $3 and $5 based on the square footage of your home. Federal, state, and local tax credits may lower your expenses more.
Is It a Good Idea To Invest in Solar Power in Texas?
Solar power for your home can be a significant investment. Solar panels can increase your home’s value, giving you a return on investment if you choose to sell. You can also save money on your monthly energy costs. Once you pay off the initial installation costs, you’ll save more money than you would with traditional energy sources.
How Does Using Solar Power Benefit the Environment?
With solar power, you help protect the environment by leaving a smaller carbon footprint. When you use less electricity generated from fossil fuels, you can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many consider this act a strategic step toward slowing and eventually reversing climate change.
