If you’ve been frustrated by the number of utility texts and emails you receive every time the mercury spikes, there’s a solution: the Tesla Virtual Power Plant (VPP). Tesla’s VPP program gives energy consumers in deregulated areas in Texas the opportunity to help stabilize the grid. And for the first time, consumers get paid – often very highly — for accelerating the transition of the Texas power grid to renewable energy. So, what’s a Virtual Power Plant?  In a nutshell, a Virtual Power Plant is a network of decentralized energy resources, seamlessly connected to form a unified, intellig ..read more

The truth behind residential solar energy In recent years, Texans have been increasingly choosing to go solar as a way to both reduce electricity costs and protect their homes from grid instability. A residential solar system is a great way to hedge against rising utility bills, and when paired with battery backup can provide energy independence during our hot Texas summers and increasingly unpredictable winters.  But despite the growing popularity of solar, several myths and misconceptions persist. In this blog, we aim to debunk some of these common myths and shed some light on the truth ..read more

Homebuilders have a lot on their plate. Why should they add solar to the list? If you’ve been considering adding a solar option to your home designs, you may have questions. Meet Juan Facundo, manager of our homebuilders program at Longhorn Solar. Juan has years of experience in construction and solar and can answer any question you have. In this educational video, he answers three of the top questions for homebuilders in Texas: Why should builders include solar in their new homes in Texas? What is the solar installation process like for homebuilders? Why choose Longhorn as your solar partne ..read more

Springtime in Texas means two things: bluebonnets and hail storms. While the state flower of Texas is a welcome sight in Central Texas, spring hail often wreaks havoc on our homes. Fortunately, most solar panels are built to withstand hailstorms, but roofs are not always as tough. (We’ll walk you through the steps of solar inspection after a storm later in this post.) When Does Hail Hit in Texas? Hail season spans from March to June in Central Texas, with peak activity in April and May. Through a phenomenon known as “updrafts,” high winds during a severe thunderstorm can carry rain to a higher ..read more

Positive word of mouth and referrals are highly influential in the solar buying decision. And they pay extra dividends for Longhorn Solar customers. Remember that new restaurant you couldn’t stop telling people about? Or the new car you bought on the recommendation of your car buff friend? Word of mouth is crucial for many buying decisions. In fact, 74% of consumers say word of mouth is a key influence in their purchase decisions. For many small businesses, positive word of mouth is a key part of their marketing strategy. As a Texas-owned and operated business, Longhorn Solar is highly depende ..read more

In Texas, where winter (and summer) power outages are becoming increasingly common, many Longhorn customers are installing battery storage to protect their home from weather-related grid events. Installing a battery backup system with a solar power system allows homes and businesses to store excess clean energy generated during the day for use at night or during a power outage.  Texans had a wakeup call about the unreliability of our electricity grid during the winter of 2021, when power outages across the state were responsible for hundreds of deaths. It became clear that the state’s sta ..read more

Food, music, sustainability — Austin, Texas is the perfect place for solar. That’s why we’ve put together a guide on going solar for Austinites just like you. Read along and we’ll walk through the process of putting solar panels on your home or business. Step 1. Determine if your home or business is right for solar. There are a few indicators that can help you decide if your property is right for solar. Does your home or business have a lot of exposed sun and is the roof in good condition? Is it relatively free from roof obstructions or trees? Does it face south, west or east? Step 2: Think th ..read more

Texans have endured their fair share of power outages over the last few years. This summer’s record heat and last year’s winter storm Uri caused unprecedented blackouts, leading many of us to experience a phenomenon that’s becoming ever more common as our climate changes: energy insecurity. Energy insecurity isn’t just the feeling of not being sure if your power will be there when you need it. It’s also the economic risk of relying on grid power. How many times this summer did you turn up your thermostat, instead of down – as your body may have wanted – to avoid an astronomical bill?  Man ..read more

We get this question a lot, and there’s no easy answer.  How much energy your home or business consumes has to do with several factors, including: How many people live in your home and how often are they there? Do you have children living in the home (they’re MASSIVE energy suckers). How comfortable to you like to keep your home?  Do you run the AC at 72 at night, or 75?  76 during the day or 82? Do you and/or your spouse work from home? How energy efficient is your home? How old is your HVAC system and what is the SEER rating of your air conditioning condenser unit?  Do y ..read more

Are you tired of paying high energy bills every month? Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment? If so, it’s time to consider going solar. Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of energy that can power your home or business with sunlight. But the benefits of solar energy go beyond environmental responsibility. By going solar, you can save money on your energy bills and enjoy a steady, lower rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity. The Rising Cost of Energy Bills Energy bills have been on the rise for years, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Accor ..read more