How To & FAQ

The information below is intended to help you learn about PV Solar electric systems and the steps to consider before and when having a system installed. We also encourage you to review our Residential Solar Consumer Tips one-page reference pdf file.

1. For the basics and details about solar photovoltaic technology, see Solar Electric Systems from the American Solar Energy Society.

2. Check out these consumer guides and references for residential solar PV system installations:

• Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power from the Solar Energy Industries Association.
• Be Solar Smart Consumer Checklist from IREC (Interstate Renewable Energy Council)
• Solar Transaction Disclosure Forms from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) provide great templates for purchase, lease, and power purchase agreement (PPA) transactions.

3. Suggestions for “How to find and choose a solar installer”:

• Ask a friend or someone you know that has installed solar PV for some suggestions. If you have a neighbor that has a system installed, ask them about the company they used. Would they recommend them and why or why not?
• Check out the business member list of the Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES). Contact TXSES and ask them for a few ideas in your particular area of the state.
• To obtain quotes from multiple companies, try www.energysage.com
• To obtain quotes that include options to finance, try www.sungagefinancial.com
• Check to see if there are any group purchase projects going on where you live -www.solarunitedneighbors.org/co-ops/texas/
• Review "How to Choose a Solar Installer" by the Texas Solar Energy Society.
• As with any major purchase, make sure to get multiple bids for your solar system.
• Before entering an agreement with a solar company, do your homework. Ask for references of solar installations in your area and call them.
• Cautions: See Plano Solar Advocates blog posting - Considerations When Contemplating Energy Savings "bundles" 

4. Retail Electric Provider considerations: If you have or are going to have a PV solar system installed, it is recommended that you evaluate electricity rate plans that compensate you for electricity sent back to the grid. The current PowerToChoose website (www.powertochoose.org) offers a separate search for renewable energy buyback plans here - http://powertochoose.org/en-us/Content/Resource/Selling-Renewable-Power. Readers are also encouraged to read our blog posting - The "Real" Power to Choose! - to learn more about net metering type rate plans in Texas. 

5. Incentive and loan opportunities: 

• Generally, electricity is distributed to residents in Plano by either Oncor or CoServ. If your home is serviced by Oncor, then you can find out about solar program information from their website - Solar Photovoltaic Residential Program. If your location is serviced by CoServ, check out information at CoServ Solar Energy.
• If you live in Plano, check out the city’s Great Update Rebate which is a program to assist Plano homeowners with the financial burden of caring for older homes in the City If you live outside of Plano, contact your city to see if they offer similar programs.
• And don't forget to check to see there is a group purchase project going on where you live -www.solarunitedneighbors.org/co-ops/texas/

6. Cost Estimation Tools: 

• If you live outside Plano or the surrounding DFW area, try using the solar cost estimator at this website to get a better understanding of costs and return on investment - http://www.solar-estimate.org/