The state of solar in Texas

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One thing the Lone Star State doesn’t lack is sunshine. The state receives a yearly average of 235 sunny days, far exceeding the national average of 205 sun-filled days.* With so much sun, it’s no wonder that Texas buildings are 90% solar-viable, resulting in more than 14,100 solar system installations by 2018.*

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How much solar energy does Texas produce?

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As of 2020, solar energy capacity in Texas was the second-highest in the nation, following close behind California.* The state currently has 9,311 MW of clean energy available, enough to power 1,082,407 residences.* Thanks to government investments exceeding $11.2 billion and a desire to improve citizens’ access to clean energy, Texas plans to add 10 gigawatts of utility-scale solar capacity by December 2022.

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What are the advantages of going solar in Texas?

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Going solar in Texas may seem daunting to many property owners, but investment in clean energy offers many benefits. One of the best advantages of solar energy is local air quality improvement.

Texas generates more carbon dioxide gas than any other state due to its prominent oil industry. Solar panels, however, produce no greenhouse gases that contribute to air pollution, making them environmentally friendly energy sources. The more people who get solar panels for homes in Texas, the cleaner the air will be for future generations.

Residents can also receive savings on their monthly utility bills. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the price of solar solutions in Texas dropped by nearly 45% over the last five years.* With lower solar panel expenses and advancements in clean energy technologies, now is the best time for Texans to save on their electric bills.

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How much does solar cost in Texas?

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The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include:

• Quality of the solar panels

• Condition and position of the roof

• Roof size

• Weather

• Solar panel installer

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we’ve analyzed SunPower price quotes as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In Texas, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $12,550 to $41,150, or, in other words, from $2.51 to $8.23 per watt, and that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

Homeowners who purchase their system as opposed to leasing it, can get a tax credit of up to 30% of the total cost of the solar installation.*

Though the state government doesn’t offer a rebate program to encourage residents to go solar, some municipal electric companies, like Austin Energy, offer customers a rebate for solar panel installation. Residents can also claim the state’s solar property tax exemption. Solar systems boost property value, but the tax exemption exempts 100% of that increase from local taxation.*

Net metering is another incentive to go solar. Texas doesn’t have a statewide policy governing net metering, but many utility companies in the state offer policies to their customers. With net metering, solar system owners who produce a surplus of clean energy can add their energy overflow to the local electric grid in exchange for credits on monthly utility bills.*

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What’s the best way to go solar in Texas?

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Going solar is a worthwhile investment, especially if you go about it the right way. Avoid making mistakes and get the best return on your investment by working with a reputable solar installer.

The location of your property, roof size, condition of the premises, and your budget all play a critical role in determining which solar solutions are best for your needs.

Get started now by requesting your home solar consultation below. We’ll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (978) 259 5006.