The Sun City moves into the era of solar energy

The state of solar in El Paso

El Paso isn’t dubbed The Sun City for no reason. It has a hot desert climate with long, arid summers and 302 days of sunshine per year.^*Best Places. Climate in El Paso, TX. April 2021. Unsurprisingly, 96% of all buildings in the city are solar viable, totaling 225 million square feet of available roof space for solar installations.^*Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018). The city regularly ranks among Texas’ top solar cities, making the Environment America Research & Policy Center Shining Cities Report three years in a row starting in 2018.

How much solar energy does El Paso produce?

As of December 2019, El Paso had an installed solar capacity of 53.5 MW, equating to 74 watts per person. El Paso Electric, the city’s electricity utility provider, also has several large solar installations in the city, including a 10 MW array at the PSEG El Paso Energy Center, a 14 kW array at El Paso Community College, and a 3 kW array at the El Paso Electric Kalahari Research Center.^*El Paso Electric. Solar Energy Facilities. April 2021.

What are the advantages of going solar in El Paso?

Solar power offers several benefits in El Paso. First, there are environmental advantages. Solar power is carbon neutral and an effective way to reduce carbon emissions in our community. If all the solar-viable rooftops in El Paso were utilized, it would offset 2.3 million cubic tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to taking 484,000 cars off the road for a year.^*Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018).

Another major benefit of going solar is the potential electricity cost savings. A 5 kW solar system could potentially pay for itself in as little as 12 to 13 years and over savings of upwards of $15,000.^*Energy Sage, Solar Panels in El Paso, TX. April 2021. Numbers that could quickly change as the cost of solar continues to decline, and electricity rates rise.

Solar power can also improve your energy independence. With a battery bank, you won’t have to worry about losing power during blackouts or natural disasters.

How much does solar cost in El Paso?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include:

• Quality of solar panels

• Roof square footage, angle, and shading

• Labor costs

• Solar incentives

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In El Paso, we found that the cost of installing a 5kW solar system ranges from $13,100 to $41,150, or in other words, from $2.62 to $8.23 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

You may be eligible to claim the 26% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and take advantage of net metering. With net metering, you can offset any energy usage from the grid with a credit earned from excess electricity your system produces. Net metering requires a grid-tied system but can still be coupled with backup storage.^*Tax credits and incentives are subject to change, and the availability of net metering varies by location. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

What’s the best way to go solar in El Paso?

With abundant sun year-round, El Paso residents enjoy numerous advantages when making the transition to clean energy. A home solar system can make your household more sustainable, increase your home's value, and save you money. However, it is vital to choose a quality system from a reputable solar provider.

Before signing a contract for solar power installation, schedule an in-person or online consultation. During your consultation, you’ll have a chance to ask questions and view a custom solar design. You should also receive a system design, monthly electric bill savings estimate, price quote, and overview of available incentives and tax credits. Get started now by requesting a free consultation. We’ll follow up to schedule a convenient time to discuss the best solar and battery-storage options for your home. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.