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. NATiVE self-performs (and always has) for all phases of project delivery – including design, engineering, project management, permitting & inspections, construction, commissioning, training, and on-going service and support. We’re well-capitalized and continue to invest and grow as the market transforms. NATiVE’s extensive commercial projects and clients include national brands and 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 work 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.

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Yes. We offer comprehensive removal and reattachment services for existing solar systems. Our team can coordinate directly with your roofing contractor to ensure the timeline is aligned, the correct attachment methods are planned for the new roof, and the transition is handled with professional execution.

Coordinate your roof replacement

If NATiVE Solar originally installed your system, you have a 10-year workmanship warranty. To maintain this warranty, NATiVE Solar must handle the detachment and reattachment of your panels. Utilizing a third-party roofing or solar contractor to move the system will void your existing workmanship warranty.

Service & Support

We can reinstall your system on almost any standard roof type, but the attachment methods and hardware will change. For example, standard shingle roofs require specialized flashing and secure penetrations, whereas standing-seam metal roofs utilize non-penetrating clamps that attach directly to the seams. If you are upgrading your roof material, we will adjust the racking hardware accordingly to protect the integrity of your new roof.

Unless your panels are significantly older or damaged, a total replacement is rarely necessary. Instead, the removal and reattachment process is an excellent time to evaluate your current energy needs. Many of our clients use this opportunity to expand their system capacity with additional panels to offset increased energy consumption, or to integrate battery energy storage systems to provide backup power and long-term energy resilience.

Battery storage options

Yes, of course. We’ve welcomed many “orphaned” system owners to NATiVE over the years. Our service and support team deploys fully-trained and credentialed solar technicians and electricians to help identify and solve any problem related to your solar and battery energy storage components or installation.

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We support cash, standard loans, and transparent third-party ownership (TPO) leasing options for residential and commercial projects. We’ll model cash vs. financed vs. TPO scenarios along with your project proposal so you can compare real numbers before deciding. Every option is presented in plain terms – no opaque contracts or complicated financing structures.

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Our typical residential projects take between 90 to 120 days from contract execution through system commissioning and PTO (“permission to operate”) with your local energy authority. Commercial timelines can vary by utility interconnection requirements. We communicate milestones and schedule impacts throughout the process.

Residential process · Speak with a NATiVE Solar consultant

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

Service & Support

Yes – we’re regularly contracted to add more PV panels, batteries, and EV charging to systems we’ve already installed as a family’s or business’s energy needs change over time. Battery additions specifically deserve more nuance, since the really honest answer is always: “it depends.” Getting the total system balance properly designed is a crucial consideration. Sometimes there are extra local infrastructure or permitting requirements to navigate. Not uncommonly, the main service panel may also need replacement or re-wiring. Sometimes, adding more 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). If you’re building new, we strongly recommend planning conduit pathways and utility yard space for batteries during construction –even if the batteries aren’t in the immediate budget. It’s far less expensive and disruptive than retrofitting later.

Battery storage options · Let us help you figure this out

Yes –and often. NATiVE Solar started as a green energy home builder, so new construction is in our DNA. We provide roof studies, conduit plans, equipment layout guidance, and pricing –often before the project has broken ground or in pre-construction phases. Our entire team is W-2 employees –journeyman and master electricians, designers, and project managers. You’re never getting a sub of a sub; you’re getting NATiVE’s people on your jobsite, every time.

NATiVE’s Custom Builder Partnerships

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

Austin & Hill Country · DFW · Houston · San Antonio

Tier-1 modules are tested for high wind (up to 140 mph) and hail impact (up to 1″ diameter hailstones at 50 mph) and high-temperature operation. NATiVE only uses tier-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. Hail damage for any particular solar array over its expected lifetime (20+ years) is statistically low –even if it’s higher here in Texas. But it does happen. Even if some panels get damaged, your system is designed and engineered to continue operating at slightly reduced efficiency. Your homeowner’s or business insurance policy typically covers hail events –confirm this with your insurer.

Storms, Hail and Solar Panels

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

NATiVE Solar doesn’t typically monitor client systems ourselves, but we train every client on how to use their monitoring platform once it’s commissioned. System warnings or performance issues typically trigger automated email and/or text alerts directly from the monitoring platform, so you’ll know if something needs attention.

Service & Support

We start with a consultation to understand your site, goals, and any constraints, then move into design, engineering, and proposal. Throughout construction we coordinate directly with builders, general contractors, architects, MEP firms, utilities, and local jurisdictions to keep permitting, interconnection, and inspections on track. Because we self-perform each phase in-house, you’re working with one accountable team from first call through commissioning and on-going service.

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We’re brand-agnostic – for each project we recommend a mix of tier-1, premium components sized to the site and the client’s goals, rather than defaulting to one manufacturer. That said, we hold Platinum Partner status with Enphase and Premier Partner status with SolArk, HomeGrid, and other top-tier manufacturers, which gives us early access to training, support, and product updates.

Battery storage options

The fastest way to get in front of our service team is to submit a request through our service form. That routes you directly to our on-staff, dedicated solar support coordinators for an ASAP response, and a technician will typically diagnose the issue using thermal imaging, inspection, and system data review.

Submit a service request

Yes – we’re a member-owner of the Amicus Solar Cooperative, a group of leading independent solar companies that share best practices and hold each other to high operational and installation standards.

Amicus Solar Cooperative

Fill out our project engagement form and our team will follow up to schedule a no-pressure consultation – by phone, webchat, or in person on-site, whichever works best for you. You can also reach us directly at 855.234.3131.

Start a project engagement form

Costs vary by client goals, site and architectural layout, energy footprint, and project complexity. We carefully consult with 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/W but vary according to system size. Adding battery energy storage adds to system cost.

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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.

Average residential solar payoff timelines

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.

Austin Energy’s Solar Program

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

Residential solar

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

The Feed

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 & Support

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.

Let’s talk about your solar project requirements

Solar and battery energy storage typically add resale value, and most sellers transfer the system to the new owners along with the home – we can consult on that transfer and provide documentation for buyers and appraisers. Physically moving panels to a new property is possible but usually not cost-effective, and we don’t recommend uninstalling a working system to reinstall it elsewhere; the labor and equipment risk generally outweighs the benefit.

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

Commercial solar site assessment

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

Battery storage

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

Peak-shaving study

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

Roof study

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

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

Explore a PPA

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

Service & Support

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

VPP articles

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

O&M planning

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

Portfolio modeling

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 the value in adding batteries won’t come in the form of quicker ROI. It’s not always about that.

Joining a VPP · Battery storage options

In the residential or commercial context, a microgrid combines solar panels, battery energy storage, inverters, and intelligent switching to power your building independently of the utility grid during an outage. NATiVE Solar sizes microgrids to match your critical loads –the circuits you most need to keep running. Microgrid systems that back up large load panels (for example, 200–300 amps) can carry significant cost, so we typically present tiered options: pre-wire only, solar only, solar with battery-ready infrastructure, and full microgrid. This allows you to choose the scope that fits your requirements and budget.

Battery storage options · Speak with a consultant

Yes. NATiVE Solar regularly designs systems that integrate solar, battery energy storage, and a standby generator into a unified energy management architecture. The system typically includes automatic and manual transfer switching so that the generator can continue to serve critical loads even if the battery microgrid requires maintenance. This layered approach is designed to maximize uptime and avoid single points of failure.

Battery storage · Discuss your project

Yes. The commercial-grade battery systems NATiVE Solar specifies carry IP55 or IP65 ingress protection ratings, meaning they are designed for outdoor installation. Extreme cold has more impact on batteries than heat –in very cold conditions, batteries may temporarily pause charging while still being able to discharge. Heated battery modules are available as an option for sites where cold-weather performance is a concern. NATiVE evaluates site conditions and recommends the appropriate configuration, including enclosed, climate-controlled cabinet options for larger systems where it makes sense.

Battery storage options

Utility extension costs vary widely depending on distance, terrain, and trenching requirements –in rural parts of Texas, extending power lines can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend getting a formal utility stake and quote first; that number is what makes comparing grid connection against a hybrid or off-grid solar system meaningful.

In most cases, no –a fully off-grid system costs more upfront than a standard grid connection because it requires a larger solar array, more battery storage, and generator backup sized to cover worst-case conditions. Hybrid systems, which stay grid-connected while adding solar and storage, are typically the more cost-effective path unless utility extension costs are unusually high.

Battery storage options

Battery storage is usually the largest single cost, especially once a system is sized for multiple days of autonomy. Solar array size and generator backup add to that, since everything has to be engineered to cover the site’s full energy needs without a utility connection as a backstop.

Most off-grid systems are designed for one to three days of autonomy depending on lifestyle and risk tolerance. More storage means more resilience, but it also increases cost, so this is a sizing conversation we work through with each client rather than a one-size answer.

Yes, in almost every case. A generator serves as tertiary backup for extended stretches of cloudy weather when solar and battery storage alone may not keep up. It adds resilience but does require fuel and on-going maintenance.

A hybrid system pairs solar panels and battery energy storage while staying connected to the grid. That combination can provide backup power during outages without the higher upfront cost of a full off-grid system, which is why it’s the right fit for most Texas properties that have utility access.

Battery storage options

Yes –ground-mounted systems are common on larger properties and allow more flexibility in orientation and easier long-term maintenance access. They do require open, usable space and trenching to connect back to the property’s electrical service.

Yes. Roof-mounted systems are the standard for grid-connected homes, and we frequently coordinate with builders during new construction to plan conduit pathways and equipment layout before the roof is closed in.

Builder partnerships

No –not every inverter or battery product on the market supports true off-grid operation. If off-grid capability is a project requirement, that has to be part of the design from the start rather than something retrofitted later.

Most areas of Texas average around five to six effective solar production hours per day annually, though this varies by region and season. We account for that seasonal variation when sizing any system.

Generally yes –off-grid systems require more active energy monitoring and prioritizing larger loads, especially during extended cloudy periods, since there’s no utility connection to fall back on. It’s a different relationship with energy use than being grid-connected.

Roof-mount systems use existing structure and typically cost less to install. Ground-mount systems allow optimal panel tilt and easier access for service, but they need available land and trenching back to the property’s electrical service.

Start by getting a formal utility extension quote for your site. With that number in hand, we can compare it against hybrid grid-connected systems and full off-grid options to see which actually makes sense for your situation.

Discuss your site

A solar pre-wire involves installing properly sized conduit and cabling pathways during the framing or rough-in stage of construction –before walls are closed and yards are finished. This avoids the cost and disruption of retrofitting later. In jurisdictions like Austin, a solar pre-wire may also require a permit and inspection. NATiVE Solar designs the pre-wire based on the anticipated system size and site layout, so the infrastructure is ready when you are. Pre-wire costs are typically 5–8% of the full system installation cost.

Discuss pre-wiring your project

Once an agreement is in place, our operations team coordinates directly with your builder to integrate our work into the construction timeline. We schedule around your framing, AV/MEP, plumbing, and other trades and services –we don’t dictate the schedule, we fit into it. On complex custom homes, we may mobilize multiple times at different construction stages. Our goal is zero delays to your build.

NATiVE’s Custom Builder Partnerships

On custom and high-end residential projects, NATiVE Solar works closely with the builder and architect to plan dedicated utility yards or equipment enclosures that keep batteries, inverters, and panel boards organized and out of sight. We often run underground conduit between the equipment area and the home’s electrical service. Equipment placement is planned early –ideally during pre-construction– to account for required clearances, aesthetic considerations, and future expansion.

Builder Partnerships · Battery storage

In Austin Energy’s service territory, a dedicated PV production meter is required in addition to your standard revenue meter. Austin Energy typically requires these meters to be grouped together, which means the PV meter location needs to be planned in coordination with your electrical service entrance. NATiVE Solar accounts for this during system design and works with your builder to ensure metering requirements are addressed early –especially on new construction projects where earthwork and conduit runs are still in progress.

Austin Energy Solar Program

Incentive availability depends on your location, utility, and project type –there’s no single statewide program that applies to everyone. Depending on your project, you may be eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit, local utility rebates, or virtual power plant (VPP) programs that compensate battery owners for grid services. We review current federal, utility, and local options as part of every consultation and help you understand what your project may qualify for. We recommend consulting a tax advisor on how any credits apply to your specific situation.

Battery incentive programs · VPP articles · Speak with a consultant