Archives: Resources

Financial Opportunities for Texans – REAP the Benefits of Solar Power!

Time to read: 4 minutes Date: February 7, 2023 Texans looking to get into solar power often wonder how they can make the switch without having to worry about costs. We're here to tell you that costs should never be an issue. There are several ways that Texans can put their financial concerns at ease. Whether they are looking to install a residential or a commercial solar power system, there are programs and policies in the form of financial opportunities make things easier for Texans. In this article, we will cover many different financial opportunities that Texans can get help…

Ground Mounted Solar for Groundhog Day

Time to read: 5 minutes Date: February 2, 2023 What is ground mounted solar? Can solar panels can be mounted on the ground? Absolutely. While many Texans think of shiny solar panels on rooftops whenever they hear the phrase "solar powered" there are other options when it comes to installing a solar power system. Being that groundhog day is here, we thought it would be the perfect time to explore ground mounted solar panels! What is ground mounted solar? Like the name suggests, ground mounted solar is a solar array that is installed on the ground. These solar panels are…

Net Metering and How it Works in Texas

Time to read: 8 minutes January 31, 2023 Solar powered systems set a high standard when it comes to a stable, sustainable, and cost effective way to generate power. Many Texans take advantage of the never ending sunshine they get with carefully designed solar power systems. On top of using less electricity, they can also send electrical power back to their utility providers. Texans are able to do this through another incredible benefit they get from going solar called net metering.  What is Net Metering? Net metering is a type of solar buyback program that lets you send the extra…

Be Prepared for Incoming Extreme Winter Weather

Date: January 30, 2023 A winter cold snap is projected to happen for your area. Winter storms are what the National Weather Service calls “deceptive killers” in that many deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Icy roads, the disruption of medical and emergency services, and the stopping of supply flows create hazardous situations for Texans. It is important that you know what to do and how to prepare for extreme winter weather conditions.  We strongly advise that you take the following precautions: Stock up on food, water, and medical supplies Water and canned beverages  Non-perishable foods like canned fruits,…

Interview with Solar Industry Expert Brandon Rickett

Solar Classics Archive Original date: December 1, 2021 https://player.vimeo.com/video/652138975?h=ddbcc6cbb4 If you enjoyed this video, you might find these articles helpful. Backup Power and Energy Storage – Solar Energy System’s Side-Kick Why are Generators a Tried and True Backup Power Solution? What Direction Should my Solar Panels Face? Backup Batteries and Generators (Part 1): An Introduction Batteries and Generators (Part 2): Inverters and Battery Brands Next Article If you are considering installing a backup generator or switching to solar for your home or business, reach out to us by going to our website, iestxsolar.com, or by giving us a call at…

How Does La Niña Affect Texas?

Time to read: 4 minutes January 24, 2023 Three La Niña Winters in a Row? What Does This Mean for Texas? The past two winters here in Texas have been La Niña winters, and the current one is no exception. Ask any Texan about the weather and they’re likely to tell you that if you don’t like it just wait five minutes. Texan humor aside, the Lone-Star state is no stranger to crazy changes in the weather. It seems like the weather patterns like La Niñ̴a and El Niño become popular topics whenever chilly weather rolls around. In this article,…

What Happens if the Texas Power Grid Goes Down?

Time to read: 5 minutes Updated on: January 24, 2023 Chances are that you, like many Texans, are concerned with the health of the Texas Power Grid. Over the last few years, winter storms have caused hundreds of thousands of Texans to experience power outages for several days or more. Now more Texans are installing solar powered systems, backup batteries, and Generac® home standby generators than ever before. This keeps Texans from relying on the Texas power grid while establishing their own energy independence. When the power goes out, they can use their own solar powered system as a microgrid.…

What Direction Should my Solar Panels Face?

Time to read: 4 minutes January 17, 2023 While the title might seem like a simple question, it’s definitely one that gets asked a lot. Do your solar panels have to face any specific direction? Is one direction better than another? If so, why? While Texas gets sunshine nearly all year long, getting the most out of your solar powered system’s panels goes a very long way towards your energy goals. In this article, we’re going to explore the reasoning behind why the direction your solar panels face matters as well as what goes into determining this for your panels…

Four Common Questions About Generators

Time to read: 4 minutes January 12, 2023 Texans are crazy about their weather. Whether it’s blisteringly hot or unforgivably cold, the Lone-Star State has some of the most volatile weather in the US. The brutal cold snap Texas experienced around the holidays left tens of thousands without power. While there were fewer power outages than there were during Winter Storm Uri back in 2021, it’s clear that power grid problems for Texans aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.  In light of the issues presented by constantly increasing electric bills and the unreliability of the power grid, the number of Texans…

Do I Need to Worry About Less Energy During Winter?

Time to read: 4 minutes January 10, 2023 Winter is here and with it comes cloud cover, colder weather, and snow. So how does that impact homes and businesses using solar power? If the sun is not out and shining, then surely solar panels can’t be working, right? Not exactly. Let’s dig into it as we take a look at winter weather and solar panel efficiency.  Energy from the sun is the most abundant energy resource on earth. In fact, the energy needs of the entire world for a year can be met with just the amount of sunlight that…