Solar panels contain photovoltaic (PV) cells that capture and convert sunlight into electricity. They’re wrapped in a semiconductive material, typically silicon though other materials are sometimes used. When the sun hits these cells, it is absorbed and creates the movement of electrical charges, generating energy.
Solar panels have a significant average lifespan, despite weathering the elements over the years. The industry standard for solar panel longevity is 25 to 30 years. Scheduled maintenance can help ensure your solar system meets this bar.
It’s a common misconception that solar panels can only generate energy on days with a bright sun and blue skies. However, your solar system just requires modest UV exposure to work. On days with heavy cloud cover, your system’s efficiency may fall slightly but you can still generate energy.
Solar systems are very resilient. However, like any piece of your home, it’s important to ensure proper function over time. Solar maintenance can help prevent falls in efficiency. Another aspect of solar maintenance is providing necessary updates that can stop future problems from developing. Critter guards can be installed to protect wiring, while ice guards prevent the formation of dangerous ice dams.
When you go solar, you substantially cut your own carbon footprint. Going solar can reduce your household’s carbon emissions by 8.5 tons on average each year, the equivalent of taking three cars off the road entirely. In addition, solar is less harmful to waterways than fossil fuels, and less toxic to local ecosystems as a whole. Going solar helps you do your part for the planet we all share.
The benefits of solar don’t stop at the environment though. It’s also a significant step towards reducing your energy bill each month. Texas has a high rate of return for energy savings, with an average lifetime savings of over $41,000.
In addition to contributing to a cleaner environment and helping you save on energy costs, solar also comes with a benefit you might not know about: increased property values. On average, property values increase by 4.2% after going solar. However, with ATX Solar’s Pearl Certification process for resale, your property values can rise even higher than they would after a standard installation.
This is one of the most common questions we receive. Unfortunately, the answer is complicated. Like any other home improvement project, solar installation can vary widely based on crucial factors. Some include:
With all of that being said, we can formulate an average total installation cost. In Texas, installations typically start around $15,000 for a smaller 5kW system.
Yes! At ATX Solar, we make solar more accessible with excellent financing options, including $0 down loans that make it easy to go solar today.
If you aren’t interested in purchasing panels, but still want to reap the benefits of going solar, there is another option: a solar lease. With a solar lease agreement, an installation company will install panels on your property, and then sell you the electricity generated at a substantial discount as opposed to your traditional utility provider.
However, because you don’t own the system, you won’t be able to access solar incentives such as the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit.
No, there is no lien on the home. The lender files a UCC-1 or fixture filing, meaning that the lien is only on the panels not on the house. So if you decide to stop paying for them, then they’ll just be removed from your roof. But if you pay your power bill every month, there’s no reason not to just pay a solar payment that’s lower and will never go up.
Yes! All of our proposals are custom built to your electric needs, so we can be sure that we’re helping you lock in a monthly bill that isn’t much more than your average and hopefully saves you money in your first month! With us, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solar system. Typically, a lower electric bill is actually beneficial when looking into solar. Especially if you don’t have a lot of roof space available, because you’re more likely to be able to fit the number of panels needed to offset your usage from the grid.
Of course, your electric bill may seem low now but, just like everything else, it will go up! According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average price of residential electricity in the US went from 13.49c/kWh in Sept 2020 to 14.19c/kWh in Sept 2021. That’s a 5.2% increase in one year!
Going solar is an involved process, but with a dedicated team in your corner like ATX Solar, we work to simplify each step. We’ve summarized our approach below, but you can read a more in-depth breakdown here.
Project timelines can vary widely, impacted by factors like funding approval, permit approval, installer backlogs, and how long it takes for Permission to Operate to be granted. On average, an installation will be completed within 2 to 6 months. However, depending on the factors listed above, this can sometimes take longer.
Roof mounted solar and ground mounted solar generally function the same. For most residential and commercial clients, roof mounted solar is the optimal choice to make the most of the available space on a given property. Ground mounted solar can work well for those with large plots of land, but may come with additional complications if there isn’t an available electrical hookup nearby.
Solar can be installed on roofs of all shapes and sizes. However, some roofs are better suited for solar than others. When analyzing your roof, we’ll take a look at its angle (if it has optimal sun exposure), its steepness, and how much shade covers it. All of these factors can impact how well solar will work for your list.
Yes! Flat roofs work for going solar so long as they’re not impeded by excess shade. A custom-designed solar system can function great on flat roofs.
HOA rules vary widely from community to community, and can directly limit what sort of home improvements you can make. In neighborhoods with solar restrictions, we’ve seen customers have success by gaining exceptions from their HOA. Additionally, we’ve seen customers gather the support of their neighbors to repeal HOA bylaws that restrict solar installation.
If your HOA allows going solar but requires you to get a permit, we’ll obtain it on your behalf during the permitting phase of the project.
There are a lot of great solar panel brands out there, but for our money, REC panels are just a cut above. They’ve been an industry leader for decades, and what really sticks out to us is the top-notice efficiency, excellent longevity, and constant innovation they deliver. We exclusively install REC panels because we believe excellent workmanship needs to be supported by elite product selection.
Monitoring your panel production is an essential part of owning the system. At ATX Solar, we utilize Enphase inverters, which come with the proprietary Enphase Enlighten monitoring app. It allows you to track production to view your generation and usage statistics as well as identify if there are unpredicted drops that are warning signs of possible system damage.
Solar Accessories and Add-Ons
Battery storage systems allow you to keep the excess electricity generated on site. Without battery storage, if you generate more energy than you use within a given day, the excess will be sent back to the grid. In return you’ll often receive discount credits, or cash via a solar buyback program. With battery storage, you can keep the excess energy generated to use at a later time.
While not identical to a generator, a battery storage system can be used to provide electricity during a grid outage. This is one of the reasons solar batteries are popular with solar system owners.
No, solar batteries are just an additional accessory. You can go solar without needing to also install a battery.
A surprising truth about solar panels is that small panels pose one of the greatest threats to their longevity. Small animals, such as squirrels, possums, raccoons, and birds, can damage solar panels while in search of a warm place to burrow or nest. Critter guards are installable barriers that prevent animals from damaging the base of panels and the connective wiring that allows them to function.
One downside of solar panels is that their smooth surfaces can create dangerous situations during heavy snows. Ice dams can form, and slide off in one large chunk, creating a hazard for you and your property. Snow guards help break up the formation of ice dams so they don’t pose a threat. Fortunately, most Texans in the greater Austin area won’t need to worry about snow guards, as ice dams typically only form in heavier snows.
Maintenance
Solar panels are known for being resilient. They face constant exposure to changing weather conditions and still maintain strong efficiency for years. However, like any part of your home, regular care is important to keep them in optimal condition. Once or twice per year, you’ll want to perform an inspection of your panels or have one performed by a solar professional.
The most common form of ongoing panel upkeep is cleaning to ensure dirt doesn’t reduce the capture efficiency of your panels.
Solar panels are vulnerable to any of the common afflictions that can damage your home’s exterior, as well as a few specific ones. Small critters can damage panel cells or connective wiring. Fallen debris such as tree limbs can crack the surface of a panel. Hail can also be particularly devastating to solar systems. More localized problems include system overheating, or water entry if a seal is broken. Regular inspections can help identify the risk of some of these problems and deploy solutions to prevent them.
A sturdy, well-maintained roof is essential to support the added weight of a solar system. One of the first steps in our consultation process is to determine the age and condition of your roof. If your roof is near the end of its 20-25 year lifespan, or is currently damaged, we won’t be able to complete a solar installation until the roof is replaced. We work with excellent roofing partners to help you create an efficient replacement and solar installation experience.
Solar incentives are offerings by federal, state, and local governments, as well as utility providers, that help offset some of the costs of going solar. These offsets may come upfront or over time. They come in various forms, from tax breaks to solar buyback programs and everything in between.
The Federal ITC is a 30% federal tax credit on the total cost of your system installation. It’s a substantial boost to help offset the cost of going solar/
Unfortunately, solar incentives require system ownership to access. As such, if you enter into a leasing agreement, you cannot benefit from solar incentives.
When your system generates excess energy and you don’t have battery storage, the unused electricity is sent back to the grid. Many Austin area utility providers offer solar buyback programs, where you are paid for the excess energy delivered at a set rate.
The solar revolution is here in Texas, and for good reason. Homeowners are ready to reap the financial benefits of making the switch while also reducing their impact on the climate. Reach out today to get started with ATX Solar.
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Master of Record/ Master Electrician
As ATX Solar’s Master of Record/ Master Electrician, Phillip is responsible for designing and coordinating Residential and Commercial Solar installation. He’s been part of the ATX Solar team for over a year and brings over six years of solar industry expertise to the table.
Prior to joining ATX Solar, Phillip was an instructor at a trade school.
In his free time, he enjoys going to the gym.
A Fact About Phillip: “I am one of the youngest Master Electricians in the state of Texas.”
Operations Support Specialist
As Operations Support Specialist, Cassie Dunn helps support the project management and finance teams by overseeing customer payments, submitting applications, and working with finance companies to submit necessary documents.
Prior to working with ATX Solar, Cassie worked on the Energy Team at Veritas QA, a new residential construction inspection company. She helped to certify new construction homes for IECC, Energy Star, and HERS programs.
Cassie attended Juniata College and has been working in the solar industry since October 2025
Outside of work, Cassie loves to read, play games, binge TV shows, and spend time with family.
A Fact About Cassie: “I grew up beside a horse farm. I can also say the alphabet backwards in less than 5 seconds.”
Human Resource Coordinator
Almira is ATX Solar’s Human Resources Coordinator. She is responsible for our recruitment efforts, onboarding new employees, and supporting the entire team through HR-focused tasks. She is an essential piece of our operations, ensuring employees are supported, valued, and ready to meet challenges.
Prior to joining the ATX Solar team, Almira worked in administration at an HOA office, where she was responsible for building bridges between homeowners and the organization through effective communication, task management, and support. Although she’s new to the renewable energy industry, she is passionate about the advantages it offers to Austin-area residents.
Almira graduated from the University of Houston. Outside of the office, she loves exploring new places, finding her next adventure, and being in the great outdoors. She is also passionate about self-care, shopping and spending quality time with friends and family.
A Fact About Almira: “I’m a girly girl who loves shopping and spending time with my two adorable dogs—a Chihuahua and a Bichon Frise.”
Director of Sales
As ATX Solar’s Director of Sales, Caleb Spencer empowers our team to provide excellent service to home and business owners throughout Central Texas so they can make the switch to clean, renewable energy.
Caleb ensures the team is well-trained, supported, and motivated to provide an unbeatable customer service experience. From establishing efficient internal procedures and operations to building relationships with clients, Caleb helps our team thrive.
Caleb graduated from Texas A&M and worked as a petroleum engineer prior to joining the ATX Solar team. His experience within the fossil fuel industry gave him a unique perspective on the benefits solar can offer to Texans.
Outside of the office, Caleb loves to spend time in nature, hiking, and camping with his beloved four kids.
A Fact About Caleb: “I was a semi-professional skateboarder in high school. I also played on a Texas State championships Baseball Team.”
Founder & CEO
Blake is the founder and CEO of ATX Solar. As the company leader, Blake brings strategic vision, decision-making, and dynamic organization to a complex and fluid work environment. He steers the shop, ensuring each department works harmoniously to build toward our company’s goals. From driving growth to fostering innovation, and putting out the occasional fire, he helps power our amazing team to excel.
Blake has been here from the very start, when the team built a sales MVP over an Easter Weekend. Prior to founding ATX Solar, he cut his teeth at several national solar organizations. He also brings experience from 6+ years as a commercial electrician for IBEW, and another 6+ years in the insurance industry. He’s worked in the solar industry since 2017.
Blake followed in his father’s footsteps, and attended electrician trade school after graduating. During that time, he also took on a full-course load to earn a business degree via night classes while working full-time. Despite these challenging circumstances, he stayed on the Dean’s List for two years.
Outside of ATX Solar, Blake enjoys activities with his family. With them, he enjoys fishing, traveling, and boating. He is passionate about coaching youth sports, particularly baseball. He also finds home improvement projects rewarding, as well as craftsmanship such as woodworking. One of his favorite creations was a casino-grade poker table for his home.
A Fact About Blake: I’ve been indirectly hit by lightning twice in the last 4 years!⚡️
HR Coordinator
Jackie is our superstar HR Coordinator. She is responsible for facilitating recruiting efforts, managing employee relations and engagement, as well as providing guidance for continued growth.
Jackie has been a part of the ATX Solar team for two years but brings a wealth of knowledge to our HR procedures as she’s previously served in the same capacity within the plumbing and HVAC industries.
Jackie is a graduate of Florida State University. She is passionate about reading, games, puzzles, and helping her house plants thrive.
A Fact About Jackie: “I was an army brat and lived overseas in Germany when I was younger.”
Master Electrician
Joshua is ATX Solar’s Master Electrician. In this role, he handles crew management, solar installations, CAD design, and on-the-fly problem solving to ensure safe operations for our installers. He’s an industry veteran, with 14 years of combined solar experience between ATX Solar and his previous employer.
Out of the field, he enjoys spending quality time with his family, video games, music, and creating memories with friends.
A Fact About Joshua: “I was a sponsored skateboarder in Seattle, Washington.”
Energy Advisor
Shannon is our resident Energy Advisor, with over 2 years of experience as a part of our team. She helps with our retail marketing efforts and manages other marketing responsibilities. Her knowledge helps us reach new audiences and educate them about the benefits of going solar.
Shannon studied at the University of Phoenix. She loves spending time with her husband Josh and their three daughters. In addition, she enjoys swimming, biking, camping, reading, and completing volunteer work to give back to her community.
A Fact About Shannon: “I’m a twin and the shortest person in my immediate family.”
Director of Operations
Will is the Director of Operations at ATX Solar. He is responsible for reviewing and evaluating business procedures and implementing policies that will improve day-to-day operations. He ensures work environments are safe and effective, and oversees the Project Management and Installation departments.
Will is committed to helping each team achieve success and reach goals set by company leadership.
He brings prior experience in Project Management at a different solar company but has been with the ATX Solar team for 5 years. He studied at Michigan State University.
While not in the office, Will loves going to the beach, camping, hiking, and weightlifting.
A Fact About Will: “I like the Texas summer.”
Electrician
Bobby works as an Electrician at ATX Solar. In that capacity, he handles the installation and setup for electrical equipment like base batteries, combiners, connection to your Main Service Panel, as well as taking care of disconnects.
Bobby brings previous experience in the solar industry, having previously worked for a different provider in California. He received his education at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
In his spare time, he enjoys working out, running, and spending time with his family.
A Fact About Bobby: “I like to party.”
Director of Technology
Matt serves as our Director of Technology and allows us to stay on the cutting edge of tech, from tools to manage projects to going above and beyond to protect your information. He manages all business software, office hardware, information systems, and data.
Matt attended college at the University of Texas at Austin, and worked in astronomical research and education prior to joining the ATX Solar team.
In his free time, Matt enjoys dancing, attending concerts, cooking meals, and going on hikes.
A Fact About Matt: “I have a Ph.D. in Astrophysics.”
Executive Assistant
As our Executive Assistant, Anna keeps our team humming through comprehensive administrative support. She helps manage scheduling internal operations, customer correspondence, inventory management, and event coordination, among many other hats she wears on a daily basis.
Prior to her time with ATX Solar, she gained experience across diverse industries, including as a Personal Assistant, an English Teacher, and an Accountant. She received her education from the Autonomous University of Campeche.
Outside the office, Anna enjoys travel, cooking, reading, and listening to her favorite music and podcasts.
A Fact About Anna: “I practiced ballet for about 12 years and I’ve visited 10 countries”
Project Manager
Jake is a dedicated Project Manager, here to ensure your installs move from consultation to completion efficiently and effectively. He has been with ATX Solar for two years, helping us deliver excellent finished projects time and time again.
Jake attended the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. In his spare time, you can find him reading, building Legos, and occasionally playing Fortnite. He also loves to spend time with his dog, Romeo.
A Fact About Jake: “My favorite artist is Olivia Rodrigo”
VP of the Home Services
John is our experienced VP of the Home Services Division and Safety Management. Although he’s one of the newest members of the ATX Solar team, he brings nearly three decades of experience across the construction and energy industries.
John oversees site safety audits, project inspections, and leads our Home Services division. Prior to working at ATX Solar, he was the owner and operator of Leakproof Roofing Systems for 20 years and spent 9 years as a safety professional for Cupertino Electric Incorporated. He brings an additional year and a half of experience on commercial solar projects, including work on the Central Line/West Line in Casa Grande, AZ.
When not providing his safety expertise to ATX Solar, you can find John training in human performance, including working out, fishing, bicycling, cooking, martial arts, and archery.
A Fact About John: “Dark Sith force adherent. Father of one.”
Energy Consultant
Amin is a passionate Energy Consultant at ATX Solar. He brings solar education to our local communities, delivering information about solar energy and assisting team members with proposal design.
Amin brings a unique perspective to the solar industry, with prior experience in real estate marketing and professional business development. He attended Southern Polytechnic State University.
In his free time, Amin is a fan of live music, Austin’s thriving comedy scene, and just about any outdoor activity you can do when it’s warm out.
A Fact About Amin: “I can whistle through the corners of my mouth! In first grade, I convinced everyone it was coming from my nose when I turned my head”
Head of Finance
Victoria serves as ATX Solar’s Head of Finance, bringing 5 years of experience and expertise as part of our team. Victoria oversees all of our financial operations, including invoice and payroll processes, and key accounting tasks.
Prior to her time at ATX Solar, Victoria attended the University of Texas at San Antonio. When not managing the finances at ATX Solar, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
A Fact About Victoria: “I’m a huge animal lover. I currently own 3 cats and 3 dogs.”
