If you want to make a change to solar energy at home, you’re in luck. Texas residents have several solar electricity companies and plans to choose from. Keep reading for more information on making the sustainable switch.
What is solar power, and why is it beneficial?
Solar power is the conversion of the sun’s energy into power. The sun is a renewable energy source, meaning its supply will never deplete. Using solar energy to power your home offers a way to reduce your carbon emissions. This, of course, helps the planet.
Texas leads the nation in both energy production and energy consumption. Plus, it’s among the leading states in solar energy potential. So, it makes sense for the state to give consumers access to renewables like solar and wind power. And that’s just what several solar electricity companies have done in recent years.
Are there solar power companies near me?
There are many electric generating plants across Texas that produce renewable power. But you don’t have to live near any of these plants to use solar power. You simply need to find a Retail Electric Provider (REP) that offers electricity plans sourced from solar energy. (Or, in the case of rooftop solar, special plans designed for homes that generate their own solar power.)
Green Mountain Energy and Reliant Energy are two long-standing Texas REPs that offer several residential solar power plans to choose from.
What do Texas solar electricity companies offer?
You have two options for solar power when it comes to Texas solar electricity companies. One is having a solar panel installation at home that generates power via a rooftop solar array. The other is using solar energy to power your home without having rooftop solar installed.
Note: REPs do not typically install solar panels on homes. However, some REPs — like Green Mountain Energy and Reliant — do offer exclusive benefits when you choose one of their preferred solar panel installation companies to work with.
Solar power through solar panel installation at home
If you already have solar panels on your home, or you’re thinking about adding them, you’re in good company. The U.S. Solar Market Insight 2022 Year in Review reports that 6% of single-family owner-occupied homes in the U.S. have solar installed, as of year-end 2022.
When your home generates its own solar energy, it can sometimes make more than what you need. If you live in a deregulated electricity market, you will want to find solar electricity companies that offer solar buyback plans. By selling solar energy to the grid that your home makes but doesn’t use, you can maximize your return on your solar investment.
Green Mountain Energy and Reliant are two REPs that offer solar buyback programs.
Solar power without rooftop solar
If you don’t have rooftop solar on your home, or if you rent and don’t have that option, you can still access solar energy. Just choose an electricity plan from a REP that includes solar product content. (The name or description of the plan will usually indicate that it Is partially or fully powered by solar.)
Are solar power electric rates higher than traditional energy rates?
Every situation, and energy plan, is different.
If you have rooftop solar, you will need to factor in many things to make a comparison to a traditional energy plan. These include:
- The cost of the panels
- The payback or breakeven period
- How long you will own your home after installation
- How much electricity you use each month
- How much excess electricity you generate each month
- The cost per kilowatt hour of using solar electricity vs. a non-renewable source
For non-rooftop solar plans, you should compare the cost per kilowatt hour and other variables to a similar plan whose energy comes from a non-renewable source. (And even if it costs a bit more, being able to reduce your carbon footprint without paying thousands of dollars for a solar array may be worth it to you.)
What are the top solar power companies near me?
As stated above, Green Mountain Energy and Reliant are both tried-and-true solar electricity companies in Texas. Each has been in operation for decades. And both offer unique benefits to consumers, so they are worth checking out.
How do I start my search for solar electricity companies?
To find the best energy provider for solar to power your home and lifestyle, start shopping. Everything Energy offers easy-to-use tools that let you search and compare plans, pricing and perks with ease. Plus, you can enroll in minutes. Just enter your ZIP code to get started.