Solar Electric Power
Austin area builders are increasingly offering solar panels on new construction homes, which is really exciting news. Solar panels can cut your electric bill in half, if not more, these days. And, rates will never go up on energy from solar panels! The solar panels on my house have cut my electric bills in half, and we have just about recovered the expense of installation (we had them installed in November, 2007).
In May, 2011, Lennar Homes announced that they would be installing solar panels in some of their neighborhoods as a standard feature. You can see the news report here. According to a Lennar representative, solar panels are being installed in 9 of their Austin area communities.
In September, 2011, KB Homes announced their new "net zero" homes which will include solar panels.
Companies that provide solar electric (PV) power components and installation:
Texas Solar Power Company – they installed solar panels on my home in Nov., 2007. They did an excellent job and we've been pleased so far.
Click here to see the list of solar energy contractors provided by Austin Energy.
Need a loan to make the solar power a reality? Austin Energy has a loan program. Learn more on their website.