The Earth receives an incredible supply of solar energy. The sun is a 4 billion year old fusion reactor providing enough energy in one minute to supply the world’s energy needs for one year. In one day, it provides more energy than our current population would consume in 27 years. It is often quoted that, “The amount of solar radiation striking the earth over a three-day period is equivalent to the energy stored in all fossil energy sources.” 
 

Solar energy is a free and inexhaustible resource. A Swiss scientist, Horace de Saussure, built the first thermal solar collector in 1767, which was later used to heat water and cook food. The first commercial patent for a solar water heater went to Clarence Kemp of the US in 1891. This system was bought by two California executives and installed in one-third of the homes in Pasadena by 1897.

There are many things to learn about going solar and our residential solar section is a great place for homeowners who want to start learning about going solar.

CPS Energy (San Antonio’s public utility) is a leader in utility scale solar. CPS Energy announced a contract with OCI Solar to build 400 MWs of utility-scale solar by 2017, powering 10 per cent of homes in the San Antonio area.

Texas Incentives/Policies for Renewables & Efficiency: DSIRE provides a database of state and utility incentives and policies for renewables and energy efficiency information  DSIRE’s database of the State of Texas Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency are located here: Texas Incentives/Policies

Additional Resources:

• Financial Incentive Programs & Rules, Regulations and Policies for Texas – OpenEI is developed and maintained by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory with funding and support from the U.S. Department of Energy and a network of International Partners & Sponsors. 
• A Residential Solar Glossary of terms is located on our Residential Solar section
• Solar Panel Warranty Guide: How Long Will My System Last?