Solar News
City of Dallas creates solar program to help residents get best deals
Owl perched atop a solar roof, surveying all that is beneath.
The City of Dallas has partnered with a solar nonprofit to help residents go solar.
They've partnered with Solar United Neighbors, a nonprofit dedicated to solar education, advocacy, and consumer protection that arranges "co-ops" so that homeowners can buy rooftop solar panels and get a "group rate."
America Garcia, Texas Program Director for Solar United Neighbors says that "by going solar with a group, participants feel confident in their decision and save money through the power of group buying.”
The city recently founded Solar Switch Dallas, a resource that works with local governments and nonprofits to facilitate group buying programs, helping homeowners and small businesses navigate the process of installing rooftop solar.
Dallas joins other cities such Corinth, Fate, and Farmers Branch, who also have partnerships with Texas Solar Switch.
UPDATE 3-12-2024: The City of Dallas’ Whole Home program has partnered with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors to offera second round of Solar Switch Dallas. Residents are encouraged to register in the auction by March 13. The more registrations by auction day, the better the discount will be. (Residents can still register for Solar Switch after March 13 auction date.) Nearly 600 Dallas area residents registered for the 2023 Solar Switch Dallas program; participants saved an average $6,030 on a rooftop solar installation.
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Solar saves money on energy bills. How much it saves depends on factors such as how much sun your roof gets, your electricity usage, and your electricity rates. Real estate site Zillow says that a solar system can add more than 4 percent to the value of your home.
Solar also preps residents for climate change and helps the city fulfill its climate goals, says Carlos Evans, Director of Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability, in a statement.
Going solar has become more accessible due to the dropping price of solar panels and new federal clean energy incentives. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), participants can use the solar tax credit for residential solar and save 30 percent on their total system cost. A similar tax credit is also available to small businesses.
Solar Switch runs a periodic "reverse auction" in which multiple installers compete to get a job; auctions are expected to result in offers that are 12-20 percent lower than what would be charged otherwise. Residents can visit SolarSwitch.com/Dallas to register.
