• Generate a portion of their own electricty
• Reduce their exposure to high and variable costs of grid-supplied electricity
• Take advantage of the availability of incentives through the Local Utility Provider Incentive Program
• Reduce their taxes through the federal residential energy tax credit and the state solar property tax exemption
• Benefit the environment
• Reduce their carbon footprint
• Make a visible difference in their community or neighborhood

Do I need to be connected to the grid?

Yes. To Qualify for an incentive your solar energy system will need to be connected to the grid.

What happens if my solar energy system doesn't provide enough power for my home?

While you generate the bulk of your own electricity during the peak hours of daylight and demand, your utility will seamlessly take over and continue to supply your electricity at night and on cloudy days. If you decide to include battery storage, the additional cost of the battery system will not be covred by the incentive.

Will a solar energy system produce enough energy to handle my electricity needs?

System size determines production. The size of system that is right for you depends on how big of an investment you want to make, what your electricity consumption is, and how much unshaded roof space is available. It is always a good idea to reduce your electriciy usage as much as possible through efficiency and conservation before assessing your needs for self-generation (Other programs may be available to help your situation). You should contact us to determine an appropriately sized solar energy system for your home, and to evaluate how much of your electriciy needs will be met by that system.

How much electricity will a 1kW, 2kW, or 3kW system produce?

Solar electric systems in Oncor's service territory produce from about 1,200 to 1,600 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year per kilowatt dc (kWdc) installed, depending on the tilt, orientation and shading of the solar panels, and the type of inverter you select. This means that:

• a 1 kWdc system can produce from 1,200 to 1,600 kWh per year,
• a 3 kWdc system can produce from 3,600 to 4,800 kWh per year,
• a 5 kWdc system can produce from 6,000 to 8,000 kWh per year, and
• a 10 kWdc system can produce from 12,000 to 16,000 kWh per year

Can I sell extra energy back to the utility? How much will I earn?

If you are not using your solar energy at the time it is produced, it will be exported to the grid. You may be able to earn a credit for these energy "out-flows" from your retail electric provider. Please contact us for more details.

How durable is a solar energy system?

Solar energy system modules have passed a standard set of tests for durability and are built to withstand winds of upto 125 miles per hour and 1-inch hail.

In what temperatures will a solar energy system operate?

Solar energy systems typically operate in temperatures ranging from -13 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Solar energy systems are electronic devices that generate electricity directly from sunlight. Output drops off as the system gets hotter. In summer months, the increased daylight hours increase production.

How is solar energy converted into electriciy?

A solar energy system generates electricity through the use of photovoltaic (PV) technology. PV cells convert the energy in sunlight directly into DC (direct current) electric energy. an inverter converts the DC current to AC (alternating current) for use in your building.

The electricity generated by a solar energy system works just like the electricity delivered by Oncor. After passing through the inverter, the direct (DC) electricity generated by the solar panels is converted to alternating current (AC), the type of electricity that you access through the outlets in your home.

How long does it take to install a PV system?

The typical installation time for a residential system is from 2 to 5 days, but ordering equipment and scheduling the installation can take several months. Systems that are mounted on the ground or systems with batteries are more complex, and might take longer. Most of the installation time is spent on the outside of your house, so there should be little disturbance to you. The installation of commercial systems may take several weeks to over a month to install, depending upon size and type of installation.

Do the modules need to be mounted on my roof?

PV modules are most often mounted on the roof, but they can also be mounted on the ground. Ground mounted systems are a better choice if the house/roof is shaded, or if dormers or other obstructions limit available roof space.

How much does a solar energy system cost?

No single answer will apply. The overall cost of purchasing and installng a solar energy system will be based on the size of the system you choose and the layout of the installation. Solar energy systems can range in cost from $6-$10/watt. Your local utitility provider may offer a solar incentive, and this along with other state and Federal incentives can affect the final cost to the customer.

How will I know if my solar energy system is working?

Since solar technology is motionless and noiseless, a meter is required to keep track of how much electricity your system is producing. The inverter display can show you how much power is produced at an any given time. Also, if the disc is on your solar meter is rotating, your solar system is generating.