Complete Solar Buying Guide for Texas Homeowners

Buying solar panels is a significant investment that can save you thousands of dollars over decades. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the solar buying process in Texas, from initial assessment to system activation.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Home's Solar Potential

Roof Assessment

Before going solar, evaluate your roof:

• Age & Condition: Roofs should have at least 15-20 years of life remaining
• Material: Asphalt shingles, metal, and tile work well. Wood shake may require special mounting
• Orientation: South-facing roofs are ideal in Texas, but east/west can work too
• Pitch: 15-40 degree pitch is optimal for Texas latitude
• Available Space: Need 100-400 sq ft depending on system size

Shading Analysis

Shading significantly impacts solar production:

• Ideally, your roof should be shade-free from 9am-3pm
• Even partial shading can reduce system output by 25-40%
• Consider tree trimming or removal if necessary
• Microinverters can help minimize shading impact

Energy Usage Review

Analyze your electricity consumption:

• Review 12 months of utility bills
• Calculate average monthly kWh usage
• Note seasonal variations (AC usage in summer)
• Consider future changes (EV, pool, home additions)

Step 2: Calculate System Size and Cost

Sizing Your System

Cost Expectations

• 5 kW system: $12,500-$17,500 ($8,750-$12,250 after tax credit)
• 7 kW system: $17,500-$24,500 ($12,250-$17,150 after tax credit)
• 10 kW system: $25,000-$35,000 ($17,500-$24,500 after tax credit)

Step 3: Research and Vet Installers

Installer Qualifications Checklist

Red Flags to Avoid

Step 4: Get Multiple Quotes

How Many Quotes?

Get at least 3-5 quotes from different installers. This helps you:

• Understand fair market pricing
• Compare equipment options
• Evaluate different installer approaches
• Negotiate better terms

What Should Be Included in a Quote?

A comprehensive solar quote should include:

• System Specifications: Panel brand/model, quantity, wattage, inverter type
• Production Estimate: Expected annual kWh production
• Cost Breakdown: Equipment, labor, permits, interconnection fees
• Incentive Calculations: Federal tax credit, utility rebates, net metering value
• Savings Projection: Monthly and 25-year savings estimates
• Warranty Details: Panel, inverter, and workmanship warranties
• Timeline: Expected installation schedule
• Payment Terms: Deposit, milestone payments, final payment

Step 5: Review Financing Options

Cash Purchase (Best ROI)

Pros:

• Lowest total cost (no interest)
• Fastest payback period (7-10 years)
• Maximum 25-year savings ($30,000-50,000)
• Qualify for all incentives

Cons:

• Requires significant upfront capital
• Ties up money that could be invested elsewhere

Solar Loan

Pros:

• $0-1,000 down payment
• Own the system and keep all incentives
• Monthly payment often less than current electric bill
• Various term lengths (10-25 years)

Cons:

• Interest increases total cost
• Longer payback period (12-15 years)

Solar Lease

Pros:

• $0 upfront cost
• No maintenance responsibility
• Predictable monthly payments

Cons:

• Don't own the system
• Leasing company keeps incentives
• Complicates home sale
• Lower long-term savings

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

Pros:

• $0 upfront cost
• Pay only for power produced
• Locked-in rate (usually lower than utility)

Cons:

• Don't own system
• PPA company keeps incentives
• Annual escalator clause increases rate
• Can complicate home sale

Step 6: Review and Sign the Contract

Contract Terms to Review Carefully

• System specifications: Panel model, quantity, inverter type must match quote
• Total price: Ensure all costs are clearly stated
• Payment schedule: Typical: 10% deposit, 50% at installation start, 40% at completion
• Production guarantee: System should produce within 10% of estimate
• Warranty coverage: Equipment and workmanship warranties clearly defined
• Timeline: Installation start/completion dates with penalty clauses
• Permitting responsibility: Installer should handle all permits
• Cancellation terms: Your rights to cancel and any penalties
• What happens if you sell: Transferability and requirements

Questions to Ask Before Signing

1. Who handles permitting and utility interconnection?
2. What happens if production is lower than estimated?
3. Who do I contact if there's an issue post-installation?
4. What maintenance is required and who performs it?
5. How is warranty service handled?
6. What if I need roof repairs after installation?
7. Can I add more panels later?
8. What monitoring system is included?

Step 7: Installation Process

Typical Installation Timeline

What to Expect During Installation

• Day 1: Mounting system installation and electrical work
• Day 2: Panel installation and inverter setup
• Day 3: Electrical connections, testing, and cleanup

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Texas-Specific Considerations

ERCOT Grid

Texas operates its own electrical grid (ERCOT), which affects:

• Net metering policies (varies by retail provider)
• Interconnection procedures
• Battery storage benefits during grid events

Texas Solar Rights Law

Texas law protects your right to install solar:

• HOAs cannot prohibit solar installations
• HOAs can regulate placement and appearance within reason
• Municipal regulations cannot prevent solar adoption

Utility-Specific Programs

• Austin Energy: Value of Solar tariff program
• CPS Energy: $0.60/watt rebate program
• El Paso Electric: Renewable energy credits
• Oncor: Streamlined interconnection process

Ready to Get Solar Quotes?

Now that you understand the solar buying process, take the next step by getting custom quotes from NABCEP certified installers in your area.