On August 7, 2025, Harris County received a letter of termination from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in an effort to end the ‘Solar for All” grant program. This program has been paused until further notice. Learn more here.
FAQs
Texas Solar for All
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Led by a coalition of local government offices and nonprofit organizations, Texas Solar for All’s goal is to bring solar energy to low-income households in Texas. The coalition received a $249.7 million grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help make solar power more affordable and available through a series of programs being delivered across Texas. For a full overview of the different programs, visit the What We Do page.
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Members include Harris County, Dallas County, City of San Antonio, City of Austin, City of Waco, City of Houston, Tarrant County, Opportunity Home San Antonio, Clean Energy Fund of Texas, Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute, and Houston Advanced Research Center.
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· Help communities get solar energy
· Lower electricity bills
· Reduce pollution from energy use
· Provide job opportunities and training in the renewable energy sector
· Involve communities in developing their energy supplies
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Eligibility will vary based on specific programs but people in low-income and underserved areas, especially those with high electricity costs, are encouraged to participate.
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If you live in an eligible area for residential rooftop single-family solar, you may qualify for a grant or loan to install solar panels and energy efficiency upgrades. Contact your local program provider for details. More information can be found in the What We Do section of the website.
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The money will be used to do the following:
· Install solar panels and batteries
· Improving home energy efficiency
· Providing training and workforce development for clean energy careers
· Helping people apply for solar programs with technical assistance
· Community outreach and educational programs about solar energy
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Yes, they provide financial help to lower the cost of installing solar panels and batteries.
Financial Assistance and Cost Support
About Texas Solar for All
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Yes, job training programs will be available to help people find jobs in the renewable energy sector. Check with local providers (contact details are found in the Where We Work section of the website) for more details on enrollment and available job training opportunities.
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Contact your local city or nonprofit partner in the Texas Solar for All Coalition (contact details are found in the Where We Work section of the website). Each participating city or organization will have a specific process for application and their own eligibility requirements.
Ongoing Support and Contact Information
Job and Training Opportunities
Solar 101
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Solar energy comes from the sun and can be considered a renewable energy source, meaning that solar energy does not run out and is free to use. We can use solar energy to generate electricity and heat.
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Solar panels collect sunlight and turn it into electricity. Photovoltaic cells (photo refers to light and voltaic refers to electricity) inside the panels turn sunlight into energy that can power homes, businesses, outdoor lighting, and even electric car charging stations.
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Solar energy does not run out (like gas in your car). It can be available if the sun is shining. It is also cheap to use, so it can lower electricity bills, and because it does not cause pollution to use, it helps the environment.
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Yes! Solar panels still work on cloudy days and in winter, but they make less energy than on sunny days. Even when it is cloudy, they can still catch some sunlight. In winter, shorter days and less sunlight mean less energy.
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It helps, but it is not necessary. Solar panels can produce electricity in places with clouds, cold weather, or less sunlight. They may not work as well as in sunny places, so you might need more panels than you would in a sunny place. They can still help power your home.
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Solar panels and solar thermal systems use sunlight in different ways. Solar panels turn sunlight into electricity using special parts called semiconductor cells. This electricity can power homes or go to the grid. Solar thermal systems, however, turn sunlight into heat. This heat can warm homes, heat water, or help power factories.
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Solar panels have an up-front cost, need space, and depend on sunlight. The panels must also be recycled properly to minimize harm to the environment.
The Texas Solar for All Coalition will provide loans and grants to cover the cost of solar for participating community members, but these will not increase costs. If the program has a cost like a loan, the savings the program provides must cover that cost and provide savings on top of that.
Understanding Solar Energy
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Solar panels turn light into electricity, so they do not work at night. If they are connected to a battery, the energy from the daytime can be stored and used later.
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Solar panels usually last 25 to 30 years. Inverters, which turn the electricity from the panel into power that can be used in the home, typically last 10-15 years.
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No, solar panels need little maintenance. You should clean off dirt and leaves once or twice a year. Use water or a soft cloth to wipe them. Also, check for damage and keep track of their performance. A professional should inspect them every 3 to 5 years.
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If your solar system is connected to the grid and you do not have a battery, it will stop working in a power outage. This is a safety measure to protect you and utility workers. But if you have a battery, you could add a switch to your home to make sure you can still use the stored power in an outage.
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Yes, most roofs can have solar panels, including shingle, metal, tile, and flat roofs. Your roof should be in good shape and face the sun for the best results. A professional installer can check if your roof is a good fit.
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The actual installation of solar could take 1-3 days, but getting permits and inspections can take a few weeks or longer.
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“Grid-tied systems” are solar systems that are still connected to the power grid, allowing them to send extra power back to the grid and for you to still get power from the grid when solar production is low. Off-grid solar systems are not connected to the grid. They rely only on solar panels and battery storage or other energy sources for electricity.
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Yes, it is possible to live entirely off the grid, but you need a large system and enough battery storage or other energy sources to meet all your power needs.
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No, most people stay connected to the grid for backup power.
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Without a battery, you will need power from the grid at night or when it is cloudy. A battery helps reduce how much grid power you use.
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If you decide to purchase your own solar panels, there is an up-front cost, but it saves money over time. The cost depends on how much power you need. Solar usually costs about $2.5-3.5 per watt installed. For example, a 6-kW system would cost $18,000, before tax credits. Battery storage can range between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on how much energy it stores.
The Texas Solar for All programs aims to support communities by reducing these costs. The program will not increase costs for participating community members. If the program has a cost like a loan, the savings the program provides must cover that cost and provide savings on top of that.
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If you decide to purchase your own solar panels, to save money, choose the right system size, use tax credits and rebates, and pick a good financing plan. Consider a battery for energy storage and get multiple installer quotes for the best price. Making sure your home is as energy efficient as possible will reduce the size of solar and battery storage you need, saving you money.
The Texas Solar for All programs aim to support communities in reducing the cost of solar. The programs will not increase costs for participating community members. If the program has a cost like a loan, the savings the program provides must cover that cost and provide savings on top of that.
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Yes, adding solar panels can increase the resale value of your home. Some buyers see solar as a valuable upgrade because it can lower electricity bills. The impact on value depends on factors like the system's size, age, and whether you own or lease the panels.
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If your home is part of a solar assistance program, there may be additional items to verify before selling your home. Some programs require the new homeowner to take over the solar system agreement. If the system is leased or financed, you may need to transfer the contract or pay off the remaining balance.
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Solar panels can affect home insurance rates, but it depends on your insurance provider.
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Some energy utilities or electric providers in the state credit their customers for the electricity they provide back to the grid. The amount of credit will depend on the utility or electric provider. Check with your provider before installing solar. If you live in Texas where you can choose your electricity provider, you may be able to switch providers or plans to one that pays you more for the electricity you send to the grid.
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It depends on the panel size, sunlight, and system setup. A typical 5 kW system can produce 15-25 kWh per day. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average Texas home uses about 1,094 kWh per month, which is about 36 kWh per day.
Energy Production and Efficiency
Installation and Timeline
Solar Energy Costs and Incentives
Solar Panel Performance and Maintenance
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Battery storage saves extra power from solar panels. You can use the stored power at night, cloudy days, or during a power outage.
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A battery lets you use extra solar energy by storing it for later use instead of sending it to the grid. It can also keep your home powered during an outage.
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They require an up-front investment, need maintenance, and generally last about ten years. If you do not have a battery, you cannot store extra power for later use. Batteries also take up space, need to be stored safely, and can impact the environment when they are made or thrown away. The batteries must also be recycled properly to minimize harm to the environment.
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Common types of batteries include lead-acid, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, and flow batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular because they last long and work well.
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No, but it can be helpful. Without a battery, your solar panels will work during the day and then share any extra energy you do not use with the grid. With a battery, extra energy from the day is stored for use at night, when it is cloudy, or during a power outage. A battery will help you reduce how much electricity you need from the grid.
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Most home batteries store between 5 kWh to 15 kWh of power. A 15-kWh battery could cover about half of a home’s daily electricity use. Smaller batteries can run essential appliances for a few hours, while larger ones can power more of the home for longer, especially with solar panels.
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Check for damage and keep batteries in a cool, dry place. Have a professional check your system every year.