Solar Electric Blog

It’s that time again! On January 22, 2020, Oncor released the details of its annual solar incentive program, which will undoubtedly launch the wild “solar coaster” ride we experience in North Texas every year. If you live in the Oncor service area, you can get paid up to $8,500 just for installing solar panels on your home.

When combined with the generous Federal income tax incentives, the two programs can offset the total cost of a solar panel system by up to 50% or more. But, you have to act fast, because the Oncor incentive cash is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and once the money runs out, it’s gone for the year!

Here at DFW Solar Electric, we have lots of conversations with homeowners who have heard about solar, but have no idea if solar is right for them. The two questions we get every day are 1) how much does it cost to install solar panels, and 2) how much money can I save by going solar?

Off-the-grid early adopters weren’t as fortunate as today’s homeowners. Solar panels are so common and widely used that they are no longer considered a risky investment. In fact, take a closer look at your community. Chances are more neighbors have solar panels than you realize!

Although solar power has been around for well over a hundred years, it really didn’t experience its residential boom until the 90’s. In the beginning, solar panels were bulky, expensive, and misunderstood. Over the years, solar panels have experienced a complete makeover, adopting sleeker silhouettes and becoming exponentially more cost effective. Today’s solar panels blend seamlessly with modern rooftops, blurring the line between form and function. Recent advertising campaigns have even touted solar panels as being “sexy”.

Clean Energy Pays in North Texas - Learn Its Benefits

Light energy harvested from the Sun – also referred to as solar energy – provides a clean, low-cost form of electricity for residents in sun-rich areas of the country, like North Texas. Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity that is then routed to a device called an inverter. The inverter converts DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity.

Celebrate Earth Day by sharing the power of solar energy. To celebrate Earth Day, show others how easy it is to go green and install solar power, and earn $250.*

SOLAR MYTH #1

“Solar panels may create a negative impact on the U.S. economy.”

FALSE
The solar industry employed around 50,000 Americans in 2009, which has now grown to over 100,000. At the third quarter of 2011, the U.S. solar energy market grew 140%, thus making it one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy.

Solar power has gained popularity over the past two years so much, that installations of new panels and systems have outpaced the combined installs of the previous three decades.

Solar Power is generally defined as the conversion of energy from sunlight into usable electrical power. It includes direct technologies such as photovoltaics (PV) and indirect technologies such as concentrated solar power (CSP).

As Texas grows, so does its consumption of power and electricity. Federal and state environmental regulations have required the winding down or closure of a previous generation of power sources. Solar electricity can meet the needs of a growing Texas economy.