10 Things Every Texas Landowner Should Know Before Installing Solar

1. Texas Solar Rights Act Protects Your Installation

Key Takeaway: Texas law actively protects your right to install solar systems, but homeowner associations can still impose "reasonable restrictions."

The Texas Solar Rights Act (SB 1626) is one of the strongest solar protection laws in the United States. This legislation prevents HOAs, municipalities, and other entities from outright banning solar installations. However, understanding the nuances is crucial for landowners.

What the Law Protects:

• Installation rights: Cannot be prohibited entirely
• System efficiency: Restrictions cannot reduce system efficiency below 10% of optimal
• Cost limitations: Cannot impose fees that exceed reasonable administrative costs

What HOAs Can Still Control:

• Placement restrictions: Often prohibit front-yard installations
• Aesthetic requirements: May require screening or specific colors
• Setback requirements: Can impose reasonable distance requirements

2. Texas Property Tax Exemption Saves Thousands

Key Takeaway: Solar installations in Texas are exempt from property tax increases, potentially saving thousands of dollars over the system's lifetime.

This significant benefit is often overlooked by landowners comparing solar costs. While your solar system will increase your property value, you won't pay additional property taxes on that increased value.

How the Exemption Works:

• Valuation protection: Solar system value excluded from tax assessment
• Automatic application: No special filing required in most counties
• Transferable benefit: Follows the property if you sell

Financial Impact Example:

3. Ground-Mount Often Outperforms Rooftop in Texas

Key Takeaway: Texas properties often benefit more from ground-mounted solar installation than rooftop systems due to optimal positioning and superior cooling.

Many Texas landowners automatically assume rooftop solar is the default choice, but ground-mounted systems frequently deliver superior performance and value, especially on properties with adequate land.

Performance Advantages in Texas:

• Optimal orientation: Face true south regardless of house position
• Ideal tilt angle: 28-30° for maximum Texas sun capture
• Better cooling: Ground-level airflow prevents efficiency-reducing heat buildup
• No shading: Avoid dormers, chimneys, and other roof obstructions

When to Choose Ground-Mount:

• Available land with good sun exposure
• Roof faces east/west instead of south
• Roof has complex angles or significant shading
• Roof needs replacement within 10 years
• Future expansion plans

Read our complete comparison guide to understand which option works best for your specific property.

4. System Sizing: Bigger Isn't Always Better

Key Takeaway: Proper system sizing balances your energy usage, available space, budget, and utility interconnection policies for optimal return on investment.

One of the most common mistakes Texas landowners make is either oversizing or undersizing their solar system. Professional sizing considers multiple factors beyond just "fitting as many panels as possible."

Sizing Factors to Consider:

1. Historical Energy Usage

• Review 12 months of electricity bills
• Account for seasonal variations (Texas summers!)
• Consider future changes (electric vehicles, pool, etc.)

2. Net Metering Policies

• Most Texas utilities offer net metering with varying terms
• Some utilities limit system size to 100% of annual usage
• Excess production may receive lower compensation rates

3. Available Space and Shading

• Usable area after setbacks and shading analysis
• Future shading from growing trees
• Access requirements for maintenance

5. Texas Soil Conditions Affect Foundation Choices

Key Takeaway: Texas's diverse soil conditions—from clay to caliche to sand—require different foundation approaches for optimal system stability and longevity.

Professional installers conduct soil analysis to determine the best foundation method for your specific location. The wrong choice can lead to system movement, panel damage, or premature failure.

Common Texas Soil Types and Solutions:

Expansive Clay (Dallas-Fort Worth Area)

• Challenge: Significant movement with moisture changes
• Solution: Deep concrete piers or helical piles
• Depth: Often 8-12 feet to reach stable soil

Caliche (Central Texas)

• Challenge: Rock-hard surface requires special equipment
• Solution: Rock drilling for concrete piers or ground screws
• Benefit: Extremely stable once properly installed

Sandy Soil (East Texas, Coastal Areas)

• Challenge: Poor holding power for standard foundations
• Solution: Larger concrete footings or helical anchors
• Consideration: Drainage and potential shifting

Foundation costs typically represent 15-25% of total system cost, making proper selection crucial for both performance and budget.

6. Utility Interconnection Process Takes Time

Key Takeaway: Utility interconnection can take 4-8 weeks after installation completion, so plan accordingly and work with installers who manage this process effectively.

Many landowners are surprised to learn that system completion doesn't mean immediate operation. Texas utilities require formal interconnection approval before your system can energize and begin producing electricity.

Typical Interconnection Timeline:

1. Application submission: During system design phase
2. Utility review: 2-4 weeks for standard residential systems
3. Installation completion: System built and inspected
4. Interconnection approval: 1-2 weeks for final utility approval
5. Net meter installation: Utility installs bi-directional meter
6. System energization: System activated and producing power

Major Texas Utility Requirements:

• Oncor (Dallas-Fort Worth): Comprehensive application, may require upgrades
• CenterPoint (Houston): Streamlined process for standard systems
• AEP Texas: Regional variations, rural areas may have longer timelines
• Municipal utilities: Policies vary significantly by city

7. Not All Solar Contractors Are Equal

Key Takeaway: Choosing the right solar contractor significantly impacts system quality, warranty support, and long-term satisfaction. Texas has both excellent and problematic installers.

The solar industry's rapid growth has attracted contractors of varying quality and experience. Proper contractor selection protects your investment and ensures professional installation.

Essential Contractor Qualifications:

Required Licenses and Certifications:

• Texas electrical license: Required for all electrical work
• NABCEP certification: Gold standard for solar professionals
• Manufacturer certifications: Direct relationships with equipment suppliers
• Local business license: Legitimate local business registration

Experience and Track Record:

• Local installations: 50+ completed projects in Texas
• Ground-mount experience: Specific expertise for ground-mounted systems
• Warranty support: Established business for long-term warranty service
• Customer references: Recent customer testimonials and reviews

Red Flags to Avoid:

• Door-to-door sales tactics
• Pressure for immediate signing
• Significantly below-market pricing
• No local office or established presence
• Cannot provide contractor license numbers
• Refuses to provide customer references

8. Texas Weather Requires Robust System Design

Key Takeaway: Texas weather extremes—high winds, hail, temperature swings, and occasional ice— demand robust system design and quality components for 25+ year performance.

Texas solar systems must withstand some of the most challenging weather conditions in the United States. Proper design and component selection are crucial for long-term reliability.

Texas Weather Challenges:

High Winds and Storms:

• Design requirement: Systems must withstand 90+ mph winds
• Foundation importance: Proper anchoring prevents system failure
• Panel selection: Frames and mounting must meet wind load requirements

Hail Damage:

• Panel quality: Tempered glass rated for 1" hail at 50+ mph
• Insurance considerations: Many homeowner policies cover hail damage
• Historical patterns: Some areas have higher hail frequency

Temperature Extremes:

• Summer heat: Components must function at 150°F+ surface temperatures
• Winter freezes: Occasional ice storms and freezing temperatures
• Thermal cycling: Daily temperature swings stress connections

9. Multiple Financing Options Exist Beyond Cash

Key Takeaway: Solar financing has evolved significantly, offering Texas landowners multiple paths to solar ownership with attractive terms and immediate savings.

While cash purchases provide the best long-term return, financing options make solar accessible to more landowners while still delivering significant savings from day one.

Available Financing Options:

Solar Loans:

• Terms: 5-25 years with competitive interest rates
• Benefits: You own the system and receive all incentives
• Qualification: Based on credit score and income
• Tax benefits: Interest may be tax-deductible as home improvement

HELOC/Home Equity Loans:

• Advantages: Often lowest interest rates available
• Tax benefits: Interest typically tax-deductible
• Considerations: Uses home as collateral

PACE Financing (Where Available):

• Structure: Repaid through property tax assessments
• Benefits: Long terms, transfers with property sale
• Availability: Limited Texas municipalities currently

Financing Comparison Example:

10. Maintenance Requirements Are Minimal But Important

Key Takeaway: Solar systems require minimal maintenance, but proper care ensures optimal performance and protects your 25-year investment.

Ground-mounted systems in Texas benefit from easy ground-level access, making maintenance simpler and safer than rooftop installations.

Regular Maintenance Tasks:

Monthly Visual Inspections:

• Check for panel damage or debris
• Ensure vegetation isn't creating shading
• Verify system monitoring shows normal production
• Look for loose connections or damaged conduit

Seasonal Cleaning:

• Spring: Remove pollen and dust buildup
• Summer: Check for storm damage after severe weather
• Fall: Clear leaves and prepare for winter
• Winter: Remove snow/ice if needed (rare in most of Texas)

Professional Maintenance (Every 3-5 Years):

• Electrical connection inspection and tightening
• Inverter performance testing
• Mounting system inspection
• Performance optimization

Texas-Specific Maintenance Considerations:

• Dust and pollen: More frequent cleaning may be needed
• Storm damage: Post-storm inspections are important
• Vegetation growth: Texas plants grow fast—manage shading
• Wildlife: Check for nesting animals or damage

Learn more about ongoing costs and factor maintenance into your long-term budget planning.