Only in Texas is the sky deeper and bluer than any ocean and more expansive than any prairie, where clouds roll through like tumbleweeds, running off in the summer when even the hardiest Texans pray for shade.
But in those blistering months, solar panel companies see potential, and the industry has significantly grown in the Lonestar State over the past decade.
Solar panels generate energy from the sun that homeowners sell back to the power grid to receive credit on their energy bills. So, anyone with an electric bill can potentially benefit.
Eclipse Solar is a family-run solar power player from the Texas Stockyards, established by brothers Nick and Jason Pavle, three years ago.
"(We joined the industry when) there was a huge need for impeccable customer service, which is what we pride ourselves on," says Nick. "Plus, a lot of our competition isn't local. Most solar companies are California-based companies without a physical presence here."
Besides service, the team at Eclipse Solar saw a gap in the community's understanding of solar power.
"Our goal is to educate homeowners on how solar benefits them and their households, mainly showing them how it makes financial sense," Pavle continues. "Panels can save homeowners a ton of money on their electric bills. We custom build solar systems to offset each individual household consumption, so it's catered to how they specifically use energy."
Eclipse Solar uses software to calculate where to place the solar panels in the home to maximize production and efficiency.
But what if the homeowner moves, leaving a custom solar system?
Thankfully, if an individual owns their panels, it adds value to the home during appraisal, but it's not a dollar-for-dollar match.
"An example we give is a pool installation in someone's backyard," says Nick. "Homeowners can spend $100,000 on a pool, but the appraiser only gives them a $25,000 increase in value. Solar panels do not add dollar-for-dollar value, but contributory value."
According to the national average, homeowners increase their values by 3-5% when they own their solar systems.
"So, if a homeowner bought a $50,000 solar system and lived in a $500,000 house, they can conservatively see a $15,000 increase in value and a 30% tax credit for the total amount," continues Nick. "So, with a $50,000 system, they get a $15,000 tax credit and a $15,000 increase in value, which is a $30,000 return on investment (60%) the day they sign the dotted line."
Nick knows in this scenario that homeowners are spending $50,000 with the power company whether or not they get the panels.
"If a homeowner has an average bill of $300, they're spending $3,600 a year," he says. "Over 20 years without inflation, that would be $72,000, plus, homeowners will never get a 30% tax credit on the $72,000 without increasing the value of their home."
In Nick's example, with a solar system, the homeowner pays off their solar system in 20 years, saves in electrical costs, increases home value, and pockets a tax credit.
The homeowner can continue to benefit from the tax credit by yearly reinvesting in solar.
"It makes more financial sense to switch to solar because they own their power instead of leasing it," says Nick.
The tax credit rolls over after five years if the homeowner doesn't receive the entire amount in the first year, and there is no cap. However, interested parties should know that if a homeowner is retired and does not pay income tax, they are ineligible for the credit.
The system only works if there are quality batteries connected to the panels.
Batteries play a crucial role in solar panel systems, storing excess energy that the panels generate during sunny days for later use.
By storing excess energy, users can draw from their battery reserves during peak demand times or power outages, enhancing energy independence from the power grid.
Eclipse Solar uses Enphase batteries, the safest and strongest on the market.
"Our company is Enphase certified to sell their batteries," explains Nick. "The batteries will power the home in case of a power outage and store excess power for later."
The systems help homeowners achieve energy independence with their everyday usage.
"We cycle the batteries daily so the homeowners will use solar energy during the day, and at night, we use batteries," he says. "The homeowner rarely uses grid power, and their bills reflect that. We are one of the few companies that build systems this way. We promote 'off-grid systems' even though the system is always tied to the grid."
The batteries also monitor the weather and send text alerts to the homeowners to warn them about inclement weather, a feature only a few companies include.
Thankfully, as steadfastly as the energy demands rise in Texas, the sun shines, and Eclipse Solar has positioned itself next to Helios, riding the ever-evolving energy landscape in his chariot.
