THE LONE STAR STATE GOES SOLAR
Why go solar in Texas?
Texas is ranked 2nd* in solar power by the SEIA and homeowners are quickly going solar. As the state’s economy grows, so does solar. Not only can solar be a good investment in your home, but it can also give you the freedom to focus on other things that are important. Take advantage of Texas’ net metering and rebate programs to maximize your solar savings!
Save on energy
Texas energy rates can vary, they can be more expensive than you think. Going solar can help you avoid these high rates and you can see savings. You can power your home during the day, and save excess energy in your batteries. The goal is to design your system to offset** your energy consumption so you do not need to purchase energy from the grid.
Be prepared for outages
You may have read about or experienced the snowstorm that caused the Texas blackout of 2021.The unforeseen storm caused an increase in energy demand, causing the grid to fail. You may not be able to predict the weather in Texas, but you can prepare. If you have a solar system with batteries, you can use the excess energy stored in the batteries to heat or cool your home during extreme weather. Depending on how much excess energy is stored, batteries can keep you running for an extended period of time.
Preserve Texas’s outdoors
Your home is your biggest asset, and you probably want to continue to invest in it. Installing a solar system may increase your home’s value and help it become more attractive to potential buyers. Texas homes are currently valued at an average $224,466, a 7.5% increase over the past year. Keep up with rising home values by investing in your home***.In the spring, blue bonnets bring color to the state, making it look like a painting. Its outdoor beauty is extensive, which is why many homeowners have already decided to go solar. Sure solar can help save you money each month, but it is also one major way to help reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Texas. It can help preserve the state’s natural beauty for years to come.
Have predictable payments
It is no secret that Texas can have very warm months. Many utility providers increase energy rates as demand surges. During extreme weather, when you need power the most, demand is at its highest and so are the rates. Going solar gives you back your freedom to plan ahead. Solar can help you budget monthly energy costs and focus on what’s important. Your monthly solar payment will remain the same for your system. As for your energy utility bill, in some cases you may only have a minimum bill to budget for. Make your monthly budget easier and more predictable.
Invest in your home
Your home is your biggest asset, and you probably want to continue to invest in it. Installing a solar system may increase your home’s value and help it become more attractive to potential buyers. Texas homes are currently valued at an average $224,466, a 7.5% increase over the past year. Keep up with rising home values by investing in your home***.
Solar incentives in Texas
The incentives for going solar in Texas vary significantly between the state’s different utility companies. For example, Austin Energy offers a $2,500 residential rebate and CPS Energy (City of San Antonio) offers a $2,500 residential rebate. Other local utilities may offer their own incentives for qualified customers. Additionally, Texas homeowners can benefit from the solar energy system property tax exemption, which exempts you from paying property taxes on the added home value from installed solar panels.
Texas homeowners are also eligible for the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).**** The ITC allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes.
Solar panels perform in all kinds of weather
Going solar is a big decision, and although there are many factors you should consider, local weather shouldn’t be a deterrent. Solar panels are designed to work in almost any type of weather… even snow and clouds!
Sunny
There are sunny days ahead for solar. The more sun you have access to, the longer your panels work during the day. Your panels work best at converting energy when sun rays shine directly at them. The more energy you produce, the more excess you may be able to send back to the grid. Take advantage of the excess through net metering and other incentive programs.
Rainy
As the rain pours down, your panels will continue to be hard at work. Solar panels will work with reflected or partially blocked sun rays to keep your home powered. Your production is linked to the amount of clouds. Rain will have some effect on your production, but the rays will still penetrate through the rain. It may actually help keep your panels working efficiently as they wash away any dust or dirt.
Cloudy
It is a misconception that panels don’t work on cloudy days. The best way to know how much the clouds affect your system’s performance is to monitor your system on sunny days and compare. Your system may actually be more efficient without the excess heat. This is because solar systems prefer the cold! The sun’s rays are still able to penetrate through cloudy skies and keep your system running.
Snowy
Amazingly enough, even when covered in snow a solar system can still produce power! Scattered light filters through snow and reaches solar panels even when the snow cover is fairly heavy. Your solar panels may actual be more efficient in light snow. Cold weather helps them perform better, and usually snow slides right off. Power production may be reduced with heavier snowfall, but your system can still produce.
Windy
Solar panels are highly reliable and sturdy, they hardly notice your average winds. In most cases, damage from wind will be due to weakened roofs, not solar panels. This is why we assess your roof condition and recommend any repairs prior to installing your system. In the event that higher winds cause an outage in the grid, you will still have power if you have batteries with your system.
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*This information is current as of May 5, 2021 figures are only approximations.
**Offset requires matching energy usage to the solar system’s output
***We advise you to consult with the appropriate professionals (including, but not limited to, your solicitor or attorney, accountant, CPA, CGA, or any other financial or legal advisor) for the implications of any information contained in our website and in any link you access through our website. Customers are encouraged to check with their local utility providers for the most up to date and accurate information regarding solar incentives and programs available.
****You should contact a qualified tax expert and consult with them. Neither Freedom Forever’s family of independent authorized dealers nor Freedom Forever itself can give you tax advice. A qualified tax professional will understand your situation and be able to give you the most relevant advice.
