No. New homes in Houston are not required to have solar panels. However, as of April 2021, all new homes are subject to Houston’s Solar Ready provision. According to The Houston Chronicle, the Solar Ready provision means “developers must incorporate the potential for their installation in the future into their plans.”

The amount of solar power needed to run a home depends on that household’s size and energy consumption. Larger Houston homes, especially those with pools or saunas, will require more energy than the average home to provide electricity for the entire house. In Texas, the median solar system size is 7.4 kW. 

Look at your energy bills over the past 12 months to see how much energy your home uses in a year. Past bills are usually available online at your electric provider’s website and will state how much kWh is used per month. By adding the kWh per month for the past year and dividing by 12, you can get an average of your home’s kW use and then plan accordingly for the right–sized solar array. A reputable solar installer will do this part for you. In a power outage, a solar battery can keep essential appliances running temporarily. Solar panels will not provide electricity during a power outage without a solar battery because a connection to the power grid is required. 

The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), also known as the Solar Federal Tax Credit, is a federal tax credit that provides a financial incentive for residential and commercial property owners to invest in solar energy systems. The tax credit was created by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and was later extended through 2023 by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

Under the current program, the tax credit allows homeowners and businesses to deduct 26% of the cost of installing a solar energy system from their federal taxes. This credit applies to both solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems, and there is no maximum credit limit for either residential or commercial systems.

However, the credit is set to step down over time. After 2023, the residential credit will drop to zero, while the commercial and utility-scale credit will be set at 10%. So, if you’re interested in installing a solar system, it’s a good idea to act soon to take full advantage of the tax credit while it’s still available.

Selling excess solar power back to the utility, also known as net metering or grid-tied solar, is a process where homeowners or businesses with solar panels on their property can send the excess electricity they generate back to the grid, and receive a credit or payment from their utility company for the energy they produce.

Net metering typically works by installing a bi-directional meter that can measure both the energy produced by the solar panels and the energy consumed from the grid. When the solar panels produce more electricity than is being consumed on the property, the excess energy is sent back to the grid and credited to the homeowner’s account.

The rules and regulations surrounding net metering can vary by state and utility company. Some states have policies that require utilities to offer net metering to customers, while others do not. Additionally, the rates at which utilities credit customers for their excess energy can vary as well.

Overall, selling excess solar power back to the utility can be a great way for homeowners and businesses to reduce their energy bills and help promote the use of renewable energy.

There are several rebates available for solar energy systems in different countries and states. Here are a few examples:

1. Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC): In the United States, homeowners can claim a federal tax credit of 26% of the cost of their solar energy system installation. This credit applies to both residential and commercial properties and is available until the end of 2022.
2. State-level incentives: Some states in the US offer additional incentives for solar installations. For example, California has a program called the California Solar Initiative that offers rebates for solar installations, and New York has the NY-Sun Incentive Program.
3. Net metering: Many utility companies offer net metering programs, which allow homeowners to sell any excess energy produced by their solar panels back to the grid for a credit on their electricity bill.
4. Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): Some states in the US have SREC markets, which allow homeowners to sell their SRECs to utilities that need to meet renewable energy standards.
5. Local incentives: In addition to state and federal incentives, some cities and municipalities offer their own rebates and incentives for solar installations.

It’s important to note that the availability and amount of rebates can vary widely depending on your location and utility company. You should check with your local government and utility company to find out what rebates and incentives are available in your area.

Yes, installing solar panels can increase the value of your property. Homes with solar panels tend to sell for a premium compared to homes without solar panels. The exact increase in property value will depend on various factors, such as the location of your property, the size of your solar panel system, and the overall condition of your property.

According to a study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), homes with solar panels sell on average for about $15,000 more than homes without solar panels. However, the value of your solar panel system may also depend on the age and efficiency of the panels, the quality of the installation, and the terms of your solar lease or purchase agreement.

Overall, installing solar panels can be a smart investment for homeowners who want to reduce their energy costs, increase their property value, and help the environment.

The difficulty of transferring ownership of solar panels upon home sale can depend on various factors such as the type of solar panel system, the terms of the solar panel installation contract, and the legal requirements of the state or country where the home is located.

In general, if the solar panel system is owned outright by the homeowner, transferring ownership may not be difficult. The seller can transfer the ownership of the solar panels to the buyer as part of the sale, and both parties can sign a document acknowledging the transfer.

However, if the solar panel system is leased or financed, the transfer of ownership may be more complicated. The terms of the lease or financing agreement may require the seller to pay off the remaining balance or transfer the agreement to the buyer.

It is important to review the terms of any solar panel installation contract or financing agreement before selling a home with solar panels. It is also recommended to consult with a legal professional to ensure a smooth transfer of ownership.

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to buy or lease a solar storage system, and the benefits of each option will depend on your individual circumstances. Here are some potential advantages of buying versus leasing a solar storage system:

Benefits of Buying a Solar Storage System:

• Long-term savings: By purchasing a solar storage system outright, you will generally save money in the long run compared to leasing, as you will avoid paying interest and other fees associated with a lease.
• Increased home value: A solar storage system can increase the value of your home, potentially providing a higher resale value if you choose to sell in the future.
• More control: When you own the solar storage system, you have full control over the system and can make changes or upgrades as needed.
• Eligibility for tax credits and incentives: Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for tax credits or other incentives for purchasing a solar storage system, which can help offset the cost.

Benefits of Leasing a Solar Storage System:

• Lower upfront costs: Leasing a solar storage system typically requires little or no upfront cost, making it a more affordable option for those who may not have the funds to purchase a system outright.
• Maintenance and repairs may be included: Many solar storage leases include maintenance and repair services, which can save you money on potential repairs or replacements.
• Flexibility: Leasing a solar storage system can give you more flexibility in terms of system size and energy usage, as you can often adjust the system to meet your changing needs over time.
• No responsibility for system upkeep: With a lease, you typically don’t have to worry about maintaining or repairing the system, as that responsibility falls to the leasing company.

Ultimately, whether to buy or lease a solar storage system will depend on your specific circumstances and priorities. It’s important to consider factors such as upfront costs, long-term savings, and system control when making your decision.

There are several roofing structure requirements that should be considered when installing solar panels, including:

1. Orientation: The roof should be south-facing or have a tilt angle within 30 degrees of south-facing to maximize solar panel efficiency.
2. Shading: The roof should be free from shading by trees, buildings, or other obstructions that can block sunlight from reaching the solar panels.
3. Roof type: The solar panels can be installed on most types of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, metal roofs, and flat roofs.
4. Age and condition: The roof should be in good condition and have a remaining life expectancy of at least 10-15 years to ensure the solar panels can be securely mounted and will not need to be removed during the roof’s lifespan.
5. Weight capacity: The roof must be able to support the additional weight of the solar panels and the mounting equipment. A structural engineer can help determine if the roof can support the weight.
6. Roof pitch: Solar panels can be installed on roofs with various pitches, but the angle should not be too steep or too shallow to avoid shading and reduce wind resistance.
7. Roof accessibility: The roof must be easily accessible for installation and maintenance.

It’s important to consult with a licensed solar panel installer or structural engineer to ensure the roofing structure meets the specific requirements for solar panel installation in your area

The solar system itself does not produce AC or DC power. Instead, it generates a direct current (DC) power. This is because the sun produces a steady stream of electrons that flow in one direction.

However, most household appliances and electronic devices in our homes use alternating current (AC) power. Therefore, to make the solar energy usable in homes, a device called an inverter is used to convert the DC power generated by the solar panels into AC power that can be used by households. So, while the solar panels produce DC power, the power that is delivered to your home is typically AC power

The lifespan of solar panels can vary depending on a number of factors such as the quality of the panels, the manufacturer, the installation location, and the maintenance practices. However, on average, solar panels can last anywhere from 25 to 30 years or more.

Most solar panel manufacturers offer warranties of 25 years or more, which guarantees that the panels will continue to generate power at a certain level over that period of time. After the warranty period, the panels may still continue to produce electricity, but at a lower efficiency.

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the panels, can help extend their lifespan and ensure they continue to operate at peak efficiency. In addition, advances in solar technology are also improving the durability and lifespan of solar panels.

A solar battery backup system has several benefits, including:

1. Energy independence: With a solar battery backup system, you can store the excess solar energy produced during the day and use it during the night or when the sun is not shining. This reduces your dependence on the grid and helps you become energy independent.
2. Cost savings: By using stored solar energy, you can reduce your reliance on expensive grid electricity during peak hours, which can lead to significant cost savings on your monthly energy bills.
3. Increased resilience: A solar battery backup system can provide backup power during power outages or emergencies, ensuring that your essential appliances and devices stay powered even when the grid is down.
4. Environmental benefits: By using solar energy, you are reducing your carbon footprint and helping to mitigate climate change.
5. Long-term investment: Investing in a solar battery backup system can provide long-term benefits, including increased property value and reduced energy costs over time.

The specific permits required for solar panel installation vary depending on your location, as regulations and building codes differ between states and municipalities. However, in general, there are several common permits that are typically required:

1. Building Permit: A building permit is usually required for any structural work that is being done on your property, including the installation of solar panels.
2. Electrical Permit: An electrical permit is required for any electrical work that is done as part of the solar panel installation, such as wiring the panels to your home’s electrical system.
3. Zoning Permit: A zoning permit is required to ensure that your solar panel installation meets local zoning laws and regulations.
4. Engineering Permit: An engineering permit may be required if the solar panel installation requires changes to your home’s structure, such as the addition of extra roof supports.
5. Fire Permit: In some areas, a fire permit may be required to ensure that the solar panel installation meets local fire safety codes.

It’s important to note that these requirements can vary depending on your location, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local building department or permitting office to determine the specific permits you’ll need for your solar panel installation.

Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electrical energy. They are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are made of layers of silicon and other materials that create an electric field when exposed to sunlight. When photons from the sun’s light hit the PV cells, they knock electrons free from the atoms within the cell, creating a flow of electrons, or electricity.

The PV cells are connected to one another within the solar panel, and the electricity they generate is direct current (DC) electricity. In order to use this electricity for most applications, it needs to be converted to alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what is used in our homes and businesses. This is done by an inverter, which converts the DC electricity from the solar panels into AC electricity that can be used to power our devices and appliances.

Solar panels are typically installed on rooftops or in open fields where they can receive maximum exposure to the sun. They are often connected to a battery backup system or to the grid, which allows excess electricity to be stored or sold back to the utility company. Solar panels are a clean and renewable source of energy that can help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and lower our carbon footprint.