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NATiVE Solar’s Texas Solar & Battery FAQ

Why trust NATiVE Solar over large national installers or smaller solar operators?

Founded in 2007, we’ve got one of the longest track records for delivering best-in-class, turn-key smart solar+battery integrations for commercial and residential properties across Texas. No Outsourcing -NATiVE self-performs (and always has) for all phases required for successful project delivery – including design, engineering, project management, permitting & inspections, construction, commissioning, training, on-going service and support, etc.  We’re well-capitalized and continue to invest and grow as the market transforms. NATiVE’s extensive and growing commercial projects and clients include national brands, major biomedical and laboratory facilities. That means we can scale to any size project and apply our operations expertise for both commercial and complex residential project with efficiency, accuracy and responsiveness. We also work with custom home builders -often as early as site selection and preconstruction- to help ensure a successful project. These are important considerations -particularly as project scope and complexity scale larger.

Next: More About NATiVE · Speak with a consultant

My original installer is gone. Can NATiVE service or upgrade my system?

Yes of course. We welcomed many “orphaned” systems owners to NATiVE over the years. As a fully resourced organization within NATiVE Solar, our services and support team deploys fully-trained and credentialed solar techs and electricians to help identify and solve any problem related to your solar and battery energy storage components or installation.

See: Service & Support · Request service

Do you offer financing, leasing, or PPA options?

We can support our clients’ decision to go with either cash or standard loans for residential and commercial clients. We’ll model and provide cash vs. financed scenarios along with our project proposal.  NATiVE Solar does not offer third-party offering (aka “TPO”), PPA leasing plans, or any other type of complicated/opaque structured financing vehicle or terms. Let’s make this simple.

Start: Savings calculator · Speak with a consultant and get a customized project proposal

How long does installation take from contract to PTO (“permission to operate”)?

Our typical residential projects typically take a between 90 to 120 days from contract execution through system commissioning and PTO (“permission to operate) with your local energy authorities if required.  This said, design, permit, and install; commercial timelines can vary by utility interconnection. We’ll communicate milestones and schedule impacts.

Learn: Residential process · Speak with a NATiVE Solar consultant

What’s covered under your workmanship warranty?

We back all installations with a 10-year quality and workmanship warranty in addition to 15-25 year equipment warranties from manufacturers.

See: Service & Support

Can I add batteries to my existing solar system later?

Usually, yes. But the really honest answer is always:  “it depends”. Getting the total system balance properly designed is crucial consideration. Sometimes there are extra local infrastructure or permitting requirements to navigate.  Not uncommonly, the service breaker “main” panel may also need replacement or re-wiring. Sometimes, adding additional solar harvesting capacity (more panels) is needed for effective battery backup to function as desired. Adding battery storage for whole-home backup may also require updating the existing inverter(s).

The NATiVE team are here to help you figure this stuff out and get you a proposal

Explore: Battery storage options and explainers…

Do you work with builders and architects during design?

Yes -and often. Early design-collaboration preserves aesthetics and reduces cost. We provide roof studies, conduit plans, equipment layout guidance, and pricing -often before the project has broken ground or in pre-construction phases…

Partner: NATiVE’s Custom Builder Partnerships

Do you service the entire state of Texas?

We operate statewide with regional teams based out of Austin/Hill Country (HQ), DFW, Houston/Gulf Coast, and San Antonio.

Regions: Austin & Hill Country · DFW · Houston · San Antonio

Will hail or Texas heat damage my panels?

Tier‑1 modules are tested for high wind (up to 140mph)and hail impact (up to 1′ diameter hailstone stones at 50mph) and high‑temp operation; we here at NATiVE specify products and mounting suitable for our unpredictable – sometime brutal- Texas weather.  NATiVE only uses teir-1 premium panels built for decades of life in extreme heat and cold. When big hail falls, in most cases a roof’s shingles may be damaged before solar panel damage occurs.  In any case, hail damage for any particular solar array over the expected lifetime (20+ years) is statistically low – even if it’s a lot higher here in Texas.  :/  But it does happen. Even if some panels get damaged, your system is designed  and engineered to continue to operate at a slight reduced efficiency when the sun comes up. In any case, your homeowner’s or business insurance policy typically covers hail events -confirm this with your insurer!

**For those worried about potential environmental damage from broken solar panels, the SEIA says don’t be

Learn: Storms, Hail and Solar Panels

Do I need HOA approval for solar in Texas?

Texas property code protects the right to go solar and ensures reasonable HOA guidelines.  This is rarely a problem for most Texas property owners.

Residential Solar

How much does a home solar system cost in Texas in 2025?

Costs vary by client goals, site/architectural layout, site energy footprint, and project complexity. We carefully consult with our clients and project stakeholders throughout the entire process to ensure delivery of best-in-class functionality, components, and elegant integration. Solar-only installations often start around $3/kW but vary according to system size. Adding battery energy storage adds system cost.

Start: Estimate your savings or Speak with a NATiVE Solar practitioner

What’s the average payback period for residential solar in Austin?

Payback depends on usage, tariffs, equipment, and incentives. Many residential Texas solar installations see payback within a mid‑single‑digit to low‑double‑digit year range. Commercial solar arrays can return the initial investment even more quickly.

Learn: Average residential “Solar Payoff” timelines

How does Austin Energy’s Value‑of‑Solar (VoS) affect savings?

Austin Energy’s Value-of-Solar (VoS) rate uses a buy-all, sell-all model  -meaning you buy all your household electricity from the grid and sell all your solar generation back to Austin Energy at a fixed VoS rate. Your savings depend on how much solar you produce versus how much grid power you consume; when your system generates more during the day, you earn credits at the VoS rate that offset what you pay for grid electricity later.

More: Austin Energy’s Solar Program

Can I still go solar if my roof faces east or west?

Yes—east/west can work with proper sizing and expectations (expect to lose a few % PV collection efficiency). We also evaluate ground mounts or carports if suitable.

Options: Residential solar   More about solar panel orientation

Does solar increase my home’s resale value in Texas?

Owned solar often adds value and reduces time on market. We provide documentation for appraisers and buyers.

Guide: The Feed

What upkeep do rooftop solar panels need?

Little routine maintenance is required. IN most cases, rain will keep panels clean. In extreme cases of soiling, solar panel washing services are available. Automated system monitoring alerts help flag solar production issues; we offer service plans and cleanings if needed.

Service: Service & Support

What size solar system do I need to cover my bill?

It depends. :)   We use your energy consumption history and work within any site constraints to size a system that targets your goals -fastest ROI, best bill coverage, energy self-sufficiency and resilience, or a combination. This is a topic that requires discussion with a trained solar practitioner.

Start: Let’s talk about your solar project requirements

Can solar panels be moved if I sell my home?

It’s possible but usually not cost‑effective. NATiVE Solar doesn’t typically offer this as a service. Most sellers transfer the system with the home; we can help document value for buyers.

Advice: Selling with solar (realtor.com)

Commercial & Institutional (10)

What’s the ROI on commercial solar in Texas today?

ROI depends on site energy consumption, solar array and system size, federal and local incentives, and other calculations. We model bill impacts, MACRS/bonus depreciation, and ITC to present net cash flows when we produce a proposal for any new project.

Start: Commercial solar site assessment

How do demand charges affect commercial solar economics?

Demand charges can dominate bills; pairing solar with storage shaves peaks and can materially improve payback.

Learn: Battery storage

Can batteries reduce demand charges for my facility?

Yes—storage can discharge during peak intervals to lower kW demand, often with automated controls tied to your load profile.

Plan: Peak‑shaving study

What size array can fit on my warehouse roof?

We evaluate structural limits, setbacks, skylights, and equipment to maximize safe coverage with optimal inverter loading.

Start: Roof study

Does solar help with LEED or ESG reporting?

Yes—onsite generation and storage contribute to sustainability metrics and may support certifications and reporting frameworks.

Next: Sustainability posts

How do PPAs for Texas businesses work?

Power Purchase Agreements can enable $0‑CapEx solar with energy priced per kWh. We review legal, site, and term considerations with your team.

Discuss: Explore a PPA

What are typical interconnection timelines for commercial systems?

Timelines vary by utility and study requirements. We manage applications, metering, and commissioning steps.

Next: Service & Support

Can my facility participate in demand response or VPPs?

Possibly—program availability depends on utility and aggregator offerings. Batteries and smart controls enable reliable participation.

Learn: VPP articles

How long do commercial inverters and modules last?

Inverters typically 10–15 years (extendable with service); modules 25–30 years+. We design for maintainability and performance.

Plan: O&M planning

How do I model multi‑site energy savings?

We aggregate interval data, tariffs, and weather to simulate savings across locations and prioritize the best sites first.

Start: Portfolio modeling

Battery Storage & Smart Energy

Is battery backup worth it without true 1:1 net metering?

It can be, but like lots of other things, the honest answer is “it depends”.  Storage adds resilience and can shift solar into evening peaks. We’ll model bill impacts and backup value, but often times the value in adding batteries won’t come in the form of quicker ROI. It’s not always about that. Joining a VPP can help!

Learn: Battery storage

How long can a battery power my home?

The answer is : it depends.  It depends on the battery array’s electrical (kWh) capacity and typical expected energy loads across the 4 seasons. “Critical-loads‑only” systems can power your lights, fridge, electronics, a few wall plugs, etc for many hours or days  on a 10–20 kWh battery capacity. Whole‑home overnight backup supporting HVAC will take more batteries (ie expense) but is easily done. It’s important to properly size solar arrays to ensure batteries can be fully charged during the day’s sun cycle (while powering the rest of the house) during extended grid outages.

Enphase vs. Tesla batteries—what’s the difference?

Both deliver reliable backup and solar energy harvesting management. Differences include chemistry, form factor, integration, and app features. We specify based on goals and site constraints -we don’t typivally lead with a particular solution. The requirements of each project typically drive the proposed design and engineering.

Let’s chat

Can I install batteries without solar panels?

Yes -standalone storage can provide backup and limited peak shaving for some, limited, consumers. Adding solar GREATLY improves the economics and resilience. Many times we won’t advocate for battery-only installations due to certain limitations depending on project goals.

Next: Storage options

How do batteries protect against ERCOT outages?

They provide instant backup and can island your critical loads during faults. Solar recharges batteries by day to extend runtime.

Learn: Resilience posts

What is load shifting and how does it save money?

Load shifting stores energy (ie in batteries) when rates are low or solar is abundant, then uses it during higher‑cost periods—cutting bills and peaks. This is very often used for commercial power , as yearly rates can be manipulated lower through the use of load-shifting.  This is also an increasingly common scenario in residential settings via participation in VPPs

See: Battery strategies

How long do LFP batteries last?

Modern LFP batteries are designed for many years of cycling – typically warranted for 10-15 years worth of daily recycling (discharge/charge) . Many FLP battery systems aredesigned to maintain 80% capacity at the end of their lifespan – and may continue operating for years to come after that. We specify only teir-1 1, premium battery enbergy storage systems with strong reputations for maximum performance, quality, cycle life, and warranties.

Details: Warranty & service

Will my battery energy backup system start automatically during an outage?

Yes. transfer happens automatically via the backup gateway. Your hone (or critical loads panel) continues running while the grid is down. The automated text or email may be the only way you will know the neighborhood has lost power.

Learn: How backup works

Builders & Architects

When should solar be integrated into design plans?

Early—during schematic design for roof layout, setbacks, conduit paths, and equipment placement. This preserves aesthetics and reduces costs -among lots of other benefit. We’re always happy to review site/project plansets and provide an initial project assessment.

Partner: NATiVE Builder Partnerships

What are roof pitch and setback best practices for solar?

We align with code and manufacturer specs; the optimal geometry balances output and curb appeal. Generally panel declination of between 1.5 and 10 degrees is common. Setback perimeters range roughly 6″ to 36″ from roof edge lines, depending on jurisdiction.

Guide: Design guides

Can battery closets be integrated inside conditioned space?

Often yes, with clearance, ventilation, and code compliance. We provide layout and load calcs -and more importantly, we know the national, state and local codes and inspectors :)

Next: Battery options

What solar provisions should builders and owners consider BEFORE construction?

For new construction, solar and smart energy infrastructure should be considered as design features from the beginning. Potential solar panel & equipment placement and capacity sizing, conduit paths, roof blocking, electrical panel and breaker design, etc can all be assessed early. This helps uncover potential challenges or blockers before they arise, and also helps ensure elegant integration and finish without any messy (also $costly$) re-work after the structure’s “rough-in” phase is complete.

Checklist: Builder checklist

Incentives, Financing & Policy

How does the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) work?

Eligible solar and battery (plus installation!) costs may qualify for a credit against federal income tax. We provide compliant documentation; consult your tax advisor. *This tax credit is set to expire at the end of 2025 for residential projects. Commercial solar/battery storage projects will have until late 2027 for completion. But even without tax credits, solar and battery storage adoption are set to expand!

Learn: ITC updates

Will the ITC change or expire soon?

Policy can evolve. Residential solar texas credits are set to expire on Dec 31, 2025. Commercial solar credit timelines are longer, scheduled to 100% sunset by 2028. We track updates and design timelines accordingly so you can capture available incentives.

Next: Discuss timing

Does Texas have a property‑tax exemption for solar?

Texas offers a 100% exemption for the added value of a solar energy device. We help gather documentation for your county.

Start: Check out the actual rules to start with…

What local rebates exist for Austin Energy or CPS Energy customers?

Programs change periodically and differ wildly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction -and based on which retail energy provider (REP) you chose. We can help verify current rebates and buyback details during your proposal. At the end of the day, in Texas’s deregulated market, the options can be confusing. We’re here to help, but we recommend doing a bit of homework yourself. :)

https://www.solarreviews.com/solar-incentives/texas