Home Solar Panels and Battery Storage FAQs

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity that’s delivered to your home’s main electrical service panel. Your solar panel system turns on and off automatically. Your home will use the electricity generated by your solar panels first and then pull any other electricity you need from the grid. If you use less electricity than your solar panels generate, the excess generation can be put back on the grid or stored in a battery if you have one.

An expert in solar energy will walk you through whether your home is a good fit for solar. You have to be a single-family home owner with a roof that has good sun exposure, without many trees or other obstacles that might block the sun’s energy. They’ll also look at things like your household energy usage and roof space to determine the right system for you.

Solar savings depend on several factors, including the size of your solar panel system, the angle and shading of your roof, and how much you spend on electricity. We’ll take care of that in your estimated savings quote.

The price varies since each system is designed for a specific roof and customer. You can go solar for little down with low monthly payments, subject to approved credit. Plus, it’s one of the few home improvements that may increase the value of your home and dramatically reduce your electricity bills at the same time.^* Your free quote will include all the pricing and financing details to help you understand which option is best for you.

It’s easy. Just answer a few simple questions here.

First, you’ll get a free consultation to help you understand how solar could work for your home as you walk through your personalized proposal. All your installation preparation is taken care of by an experienced solar team member either virtually or in your home. The installation itself will take about a day once all the paperwork and permitting is done. Once your panels are installed and your system is connected to the grid, you’ll be making your own solar energy!

Yes. Sometimes your panels produce more electricity than your home uses. On a solar buyback plan, you can get paid for that excess solar power you send to the grid. You’ll receive automatic bill credits that can help offset your monthly energy charges and you can roll over any unused credits to pay down future bills. For more information about our solar buyback plans, visit our txu.com/buyback page.

Yes! Having a home solar battery service in Texas will help you store the energy produced by your solar panels during power outages. Batteries have financing options and provide a clean alternative to home generators. Ask about solar battery service during your free consultation.

If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed-up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. Your system is designed to supply 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, but how long the battery lasts will depend on how much energy you use. The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to have power in multi-day outages should they ever occur.

Our solar partners do not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. That way you can sell back the surplus power that your system generates, and you’ll always have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.

Currently, battery storage is only offered as part of a new solar panel installation.