If you live in Texas, you should definitely be considering solar panels as a home energy source. According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Texas has the highest estimated solar potential of any state in the U.S.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Texas will become the number one state for solar installation over the next five years, overtaking California with 40,136 MW or more additional installs.
By September 2022, Texas energy prices had risen by 21.7%, and electric rates jumped 30.7% in just one year, but the cost of solar energy systems in Texas has dropped 53% over the past decade, making these systems the ideal choice to combat rising utility rates.
4 Benefits of Installing Solar Panels on Your Texas Home
Here are some of the advantages of installing residential solar panels in Texas.
1. Cost Reduction
Most homeowners understand that solar panels can help you reduce or eliminate your electric bills. This is one of the most significant benefits of solar energy.
Texas residents have some of the highest energy bills in the United States. Assuming your electric bill is $150 per month, which is conservative, you could save over $1,800 annually with solar. Over the lifespan of a solar panel system, this would amount to tens of thousands in savings AFTER the system has paid for itself.
2. Fewer Power Outages
Texas has established a nationwide reputation for having a poorly-organized power grid. When the temperatures rise, or an adverse weather event strikes, the grid simply can’t handle the load, and massive power outages occur. This can be dangerous and deadly, not to mention inconvenient for customers who are paying a lot of money for the services.
When you install your own solar energy system, you are no longer reliant on the power grid. You have a constant supply of energy for your home. You can even store excess energy using solar batteries to use when you need it.
3. Eco-Friendly
If you care about the environment, solar energy solutions are a great option for your home. Solar panels reduce your overall carbon footprint. These clean energy sources lower water and air pollution and help combat global warming.
4. Increased Home Value
Another benefit of choosing solar power for your home is that it increases your property value. According to data from Zillow, home values increase by roughly 4.1% when they include solar energy systems. With the average home value in Texas of $303,971, that’s an increase of about $12,462 in your home’s value.
4 Ways Texas is a Solar-Friendly State
Roughly a quarter of a million homes in Texas currently have solar panels, and this number is expanding fast as homeowners become more aware of the benefits of solar energy. If you’re considering solar panels, it’s a good time to act because there are still many incentives, some of which could disappear. Here are some of the ways Texas is a solar-friendly state.
1. Weather and Climate
Solar panels work best in areas where there is direct and abundant sunlight. In the U.S., few states are better for this than Texas. On average, the state gets about 204 days of sunlight per year, which is plenty to make solar panels worth your investment.
Solar panels remain efficient even during thunderstorms and cloudy weather. They are also quite durable, which is important since Texas is known for some extreme weather events like strong winds.
2. Tax Incentives
There’s never been a better time to install solar panels if you want to take advantage of some tax incentives. There is still a federal incentive, known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a 26% credit for installation costs.
Homeowners with solar panels installed on their homes can also take advantage of various tax exemptions, covering the cost of the equipment and installation, and depending on where you live, there may be additional local tax incentives for this type of installation.
3. Solar Panel Rebates
Some local governments in Texas offer incentives in the form of solar panel rebates. For example, Austin Energy provides a $2,500 rebate for residential solar panel projects. Other rebates in Texas are available from CPS and Oncor.
4. Net Metering
Some U.S. states, including Texas, offer an incentive to utility customers with solar panels. Net metering is a billing plan that compensates homeowners who generate more power than they can use. It provides them with a credit on their utility bills. While this isn’t offered statewide, it may be an option in your area.
Speak With a Trusted Solar Panel Installer in Texas
If you’re interested in learning more about solar energy for your Texas home, we can help. Texas Home Solar is an experienced and trusted solar installation company that puts the needs and goals of its customers first. We have years of solar industry experience, so we have extensive knowledge of the various equipment and regulations that apply to alternative energy sources. We take the guesswork out of this process for you by delivering the highest quality products that will get you the best return on your investment. Contact us today for more information about our solar installation services in Texas!