Texas home energy tools
Free Solar Feasibility Study
Analyze your home solar potential with an estimate based on your monthly electricity usage. Explore system size, production, costs, potential savings, payback, and battery options before you request installer quotes.
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How the Solar Study Works
The estimate uses your historical monthly electricity usage and the details you enter. It is a starting point for research, not a substitute for an on-site engineering review.
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Enter your usage
Add your ZIP code, Texas service area, monthly kWh usage, and current energy rate. You can use Quick Fill if your usage is similar each month.
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Review your estimate
The tool estimates system size, production, monthly energy imports and exports, costs, savings, and payback based on the information entered.
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Compare your next steps
Use the results to prepare questions for local installers and compare solar buyback plan terms with your current electricity plan.
What You Will Learn
The study summarizes key solar assumptions so you can start comparing your options.
- Estimated solar system size and panel count based on your annual electricity usage.
- Monthly solar production compared with your usage, plus estimated imports and exports.
- Estimated system cost, first-year savings, monthly bill change, payback period, and 25-year return.
- A battery recommendation with estimated capacity, backup hours, and a comparison of battery options. Battery brand improves savings accuracy by including only VPP credits you actually qualify for.
- Practical next steps for roof checks, installer quotes, solar buyback plans, and incentives.
Your Data Stays Private
The solar calculator runs in your browser. The monthly usage, ZIP code, service area, energy rate, and battery capacity that you enter are not sent to an API by the widget, saved by the widget, or shared with installers or other third parties.
Results are estimates based on the values you provide and general assumptions in the calculator. They are not a quote, guarantee of savings, engineering design, or tax recommendation.
Solar Learning Library
Explore our solar energy guides to help you make informed decisions about panels, batteries, buyback plans, and more.
Compare Solar Buyback Plans in Texas
Side-by-side comparison of solar buyback plan rates, terms, and export credits across Texas providers.
Read article →Solar Buyback Plans in Texas Explained
How solar buyback works in the Texas deregulated market and what to look for in a plan.
Read article →Why You Need a Battery, Not Just Panels
How a battery captures exports, reduces grid dependence, and improves your solar investment.
Read article →Predatory Solar Practices in Texas
Red flags to watch for when evaluating solar proposals, financing, and installer claims.
Read article →How Lenders Made Solar Expensive
Understanding dealer fees, financing markups, and how lending practices affect your solar costs.
Read article →Is a Solar Bill Swap Worth It?
Breaking down solar bill swap offers and whether they actually save you money long term.
Read article →Solar Study FAQs
How much solar does a Texas home need?
The right system size depends on your monthly electricity use, roof conditions, equipment, and goals. The study estimates a system size from the usage values you provide, but an installer should verify the design with a site assessment.
Will solar panels eliminate my electric bill?
Not necessarily. Solar production changes by season and weather, and many homes continue to use electricity from the grid. Fixed charges and the terms of your retail electricity plan can also affect the bill.
Can I receive credit for extra solar power in Texas?
Some Texas retail electricity providers offer solar buyback plans, but rates and contract terms differ. Compare the import rate, export credit, monthly fees, and any limits before choosing a plan.
Do I need a battery with my solar panels?
A battery can store solar energy for use later and may provide backup power when paired with suitable equipment. It adds cost, so compare its benefits with your usage pattern, backup needs, and plan terms. If you participate in a Virtual Power Plant program, your battery brand improves savings accuracy by including only VPP credits you actually qualify for.
Does my roof need to face a certain direction?
Roof direction, pitch, shade, age, and usable area affect solar output. South-facing areas often receive strong sun, but a qualified installer should assess the actual roof before making a proposal.
Are solar incentives or tax credits included in this study?
The study provides an estimate and does not determine eligibility for incentives or tax credits. Programs and rules can change, so ask a qualified tax professional and installer about current options.
Ready to take the next step?
Review your electricity options and see where you may be able to lower your bill.
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