SolarSME, Inc.
Certified Solar Installer
Serving Greater Houston
Your Trusted Path to Solar Power
(214) 227-9736
The people of Houston require an energy source that will meet the requirements of the Texan climate as hot summers, high air-conditioning use, rising electricity costs, and severe storms can all put extra pressure on your energy system. Solar panels can ensure that your home produces its energy, whereas battery storage systems maximize grid independence during the power outage. Solar SME offers tailored solar panels installation in Houston, TX for residential and commercial properties.
Reasons Behind the Increasing
Adoption of Solar Energy in Houston
Houston is one of the sunniest cities in the country; however, it is also a place of highest cooling demand in the U.S. In summer, air conditioning alone takes up considerable part of your electricity consumption, which can be compensated by installing a solar panel system. Also, hurricanes and major storms may result in prolonged outages, so the battery storage is essential to homeowners and businesses in Houston to provide their energy security.
For example, in the case of Hurricane Beryl in 2024, the company CenterPoint reported having 2.2 million of its customers affected in Houston from power crisis.
High Summer Electricity Demand
Summers bring high cooling demand, making solar useful for offsetting daytime electricity consumption.
Grid Reliability & Battery Backup
Battery storage can provide backup power and greater energy flexibility grid outages.
Texas Property Tax Exemption for Solar
Qualifying solar installations may receive a Texas property-tax exemption under Tax Code §11.27.
Solar Buyback Options
Eligible customers can choose electricity plans that provide credits for excess solar energy sent back to the grid. Buyback rates and terms vary by provider.
Solar + Battery: An Added Layer of Protection for Houston
The installation of solar panels with battery backup will provide you with an additional source of power in case of an outage. If the batteries are configured properly, they can run essential appliances and lighting.
CenterPoint Energy is still upgrading the grid via the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI). By June 2026, the energy company has upgraded more than 69,000 poles to be more robust, over 600 miles of power lines have been buried underground, and over 650 automation controls have been added to the grid.
Understanding Houston Electricity Rates & Utilities
Houston electricity market differs in separating the process of delivery of electricity from supply. As for the electricity market, CenterPoint Energy operates the system of delivery, while the consumers can freely select the Retail Electric Provider. CenterPoint engages in the interconnection and metering, while the REP provided the billing service and any available solar buyback programs.
Houston Electricity Service | 2026 Rate / Information | Solar Savings Potential |
CenterPoint Energy – Residential Delivery | Base customer charge $2.11/month + base meter $2.79/month + applicable per-kWh delivery riders | CenterPoint handles delivery, interconnection and metering |
CenterPoint – Secondary <10 kW | Base customer $2.01/month + meter $2.95/month, plus applicable delivery charges | Relevant to smaller commercial services |
Retail Electricity Providers | Rate varies by REP, plan, term and usage | REP determines electricity supply rate and available solar buyback |
Reliant Solar Payback Plus | Buyback credit varies by current EFL | Eligible customers receive credits for qualifying excess generation |
Gexa Energy Solar Plans | Plan-specific | Gexa offers solar buyback plans with credits for eligible exported generation |
How Solar Buyback Works in Houston
The solar buyback rates for Houston customers are not uniform. It is based mostly on your choice of Retail Electric Provider (REP) and your chosen electricity plan. Reliant, for instance, provides Solar Payback Plus to eligible customers. The worth of the credit in solar is stated in the Electricity Facts Label of the electricity plan and can be different from the cost per kilowatt of electricity.
Another REP that provides buyback options for solar power generation to eligible customers is TXU Energy, subject to having approved interconnection agreement for their eligible renewable energy systems.
How Your Excess Solar Power Works for You
In Houston, your Retail Electric Provider (REP), not CenterPoint determines your solar buyback rate. CenterPoint reports your meter
data, while the REP credits eligible excess solar electricity based on your selected plan and buyback terms.
Solar Services by Solar SME in Houston & Surrounding Areas
Each property has unique energy requirements. This is why Solar SME offers tailored services for the installation and provision of energy solutions in Houston. Our services include:
Residential Solar Installation in Houston
Customized residential solar based on your electricity consumption, space available in the roof or on your property, and energy needs.
Commercial Solar in Houston
Tailored solar services designed to help manage energy costs for Houston businesses.
Solar Battery Installation in Houston
We help you to store solar energy for later use and add backup power for greater energy flexibility during outages.
Solar O&M Services in Houston
Services designed to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of existing solar systems.
Solar Panel Removal & Reinstallation in Houston
Specialized solar panel removal and reinstallation during roof replacement, repairs, and other property work.
EV Charging Installation in Houston
Installation of EV chargers in Houston properties looking for a better solution for electric vehicles.
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Why Choose Solar SME in Houston?
Choosing a solar installer is about more than comparing equipment and prices. You want a company that understands the installation process and can support your system after it’s installed.
Every property has different energy needs. Solar SME can evaluate your electricity usage and help you explore a solar, battery, or energy solution designed around your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The sunny climate in Houston along with the demand for air conditioning in the summers makes solar panel use a good choice for fulfilling additional energy needs and lower energy bills.
Experience, certification, licensing, installation capability, equipment, warranties and after-sales support are all factors which you should consider while looking for commercial or residential solar installation in Houston Texas.
Look for an experienced company with qualified professionals, proper licensing, installation expertise, and ongoing support. Solar SME offers NABCEP-certified expertise, in-house installation capabilities, and customized solutions, giving Houston customers a reliable option when comparing Houston solar installers.
Solar panels cannot provide backup power in case of power failure. When a solar power system is properly installed along with battery backup, it can maintain certain important loads even when the grid fails.
First, analyze your electricity consumption, your property and its roof, your requirement for power, and possible solar solutions. Getting started is simple with Solar SME. We can assess your property’s electricity requirements, roof type, and other energy-related objectives, from which we can recommend the most appropriate solution for you. Also, you can use our Smart Solar Calculator to get an estimate based on your energy needs, or book an appointment with our solar experts.
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