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A: Panels turn sunlight into power. Your home uses it first; extra goes to a battery or the grid.

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Q: How does Solar Power your Home?

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A: We compare your roof, energy use, and incentives to find the best solar setup.

Q: What are my best options?

03.

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A: True. Solar reduces your grid usage, cutting monthly costs while powering your home sustainably.

T or F: Solar can power your home and cut bills.

04.

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A: We check your roof and bills to see if solar will save you money.

Q: Is solar right for my home?

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A: True.
Cooler temperatures actually make solar panels more efficient, heat can reduce performance!

T or F: Panels make more energy in cold temps.

Curious about solar? Hover over my questions to uncover the answers!

Learning Center

Learn the basics, understand incentives, and stay informed about energy trends

How sunlight becomes electricity, what panels do, and how it all works at home — no jargon, just the essentials.

Solar Energy Basics

Learn how federal tax credits, local rebates, and net metering can make solar surprisingly affordable.

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Incentives and Programs

See how new rules and energy policies in your state could affect solar adoption, savings, and grid access.

Policy Updates and Blogs

Section 01: Solar Energy Basics

Here’s how a residential solar system works, step by step — from the sun to your savings:

1. Sunlight Hits the Solar Panels

  • Panels are installed on your roof, ideally facing south or southwest.

  • Each panel generates around 350–450 watts.

  • A typical system includes 15–25 panels, producing around 5kW to 10kW — enough to power an average U.S. home using ~877 kWh/month.

2. Panels Generate Direct Current (DC) Electricity

  • When sunlight hits the photovoltaic (PV) cells, they produce DC electricity.

  • This power flows to an inverter for conversion.

3. The Inverter Converts DC to AC Power

  • Your home uses 120/240V alternating current (AC).

  • The inverter (either centralized or microinverters) converts the DC power into usable AC.

  • Some systems include hybrid inverters that manage both your solar and battery system.

4. Electricity Powers Your Home — or Goes to the Grid

  • Your home uses solar energy in real time.

  • If you produce more than you use, the excess power:

  • Is stored in a battery, if available, or

  • Flows back to the utility grid through your main panel.

  • This is done through a grid-tied connection, integrating with the existing transformer that serves your neighborhood. These are typically pole-mounted or ground transformers that step down voltage for residential use.

Section 02: Incentives & Programs

Houston residents have access to a variety of incentives that can significantly reduce the cost of installing solar energy systems. Here's a breakdown of the most relevant programs:

1. Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) — Up to 30% Off

  • The Inflation Reduction Act restored the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) to 30% for systems installed through 2032.

  • This means if your solar system costs $20,000, you could get $6,000 back as a federal income tax credit.

3. State & Local Rebates (Varies by Location)

  • Many states, cities, and utility companies offer cash rebates or performance-based incentives.

  • For example:

  • Texas: Some co-ops and municipal utilities (like Austin Energy or CPS Energy) offer $2,500+ in upfront rebates.

  • California (SGIP): Offers rebates for home batteries based on income and location.

  • New York (NY-Sun): Offers rebates per watt, often covering $3,000–$5,000+ of the system.

4. Net Metering — Get Credit for Extra Power

  • Net metering lets you send unused solar energy back to the grid and earn bill credits.

  • Your utility tracks your usage vs. solar production and adjusts your bill accordingly.

  • In many states, net metering works on a 1:1 basis — every kWh you export subtracts one kWh from your usage.

6. Low-Interest Solar Loans & Financing Programs

  • Many homeowners use $0-down solar loans or solar leases to go solar with no upfront cost.

  • Loan terms: 5–20 years, fixed monthly payments.

  • If you prefer ownership (to qualify for tax credits), a loan is usually better than a lease.

7. Income-Based & Equity Programs

  • Higher rebates

  • Free system installation

  • Special grants or community solar participation

Section 03: Policy Updates

Stay Informed on the Latest Policy Changes Shaping Solar Energy Development

1. Federal Solar Tax Credit Extended to 2032

  • The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) just got a major boost — extended through 2032 with a steady 30% credit rate. This long-term certainty is a game changer, encouraging homeowners and businesses to invest in solar with confidence.

2. Net Metering Rules Are Shifting Nationwide

  • Several states are updating how solar customers get credited for excess energy sent to the grid. These changes aim to create fair compensation models that support grid stability while continuing to reward solar adoption.

3. Climate Commitments Drive New Solar Policy Momentum

  • Following recent international climate agreements, governments are rolling out new policies to accelerate solar capacity expansion, including streamlined permitting processes and support for community solar projects.

4. Focus on Equity and Inclusion in Solar Policy

  • Policymakers are prioritizing energy justice, crafting policies that expand solar access to underserved and low-income communities — a step toward a cleaner, more equitable energy future.

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