Solar Panels

• Solar modules consist of multiple solar cells that contain semiconductor and other material. When sunlight and heat strikes a cell, the cell releases electrons, which produces an electric current. Solar panel manufacturers wire multiple solar cells together to produce a specific amount of power for each module. The wiring routes the electricity to various electrical parts, including an inverter. The inverter transforms direct current (DC) electricity from the modules into alternating current (AC). Most appliances operate on AC. Most property owners choose to connect their solar power system to the grid or the local utility. Dallas property owners with systems that produce excess power can take advantage of the utility's net metering program. Net metering gives owners credit on their bills for any power sent back to the utility company. Some property owners add a battery bank, which enable them to have power during power outages. An off-grid solar photovoltaic installation does not connect the system to the local grid.
  
  

Utility Photovoltaic Program

• Oncor provides electricity service to Dallas and operates the Oncor's Photovoltaic Program, which helps customers meet a percentage of their electricity needs through the installation of photovoltaic power systems. The company assists customers in determining the best site for solar panels, find solar service providers and offer incentives to help fund the initial costs of the solar power system. To participate in the program, customers must follow a three-step process: identify a service provider and obtain specifications for the PV system, work with the provider to submit an incentive application to Oncor and, on approval, install the system.
  
  

Texas Solar for Schools Program

• The Texas Solar for Schools Program educates students about solar energy systems. The project, which began in 2001, gives each school a 1 kilowatt to 3 kilowatt solar panel system to install. The solar power system links directly to the utility grid and reduces the amount of electricity provided by the utility. The program allow students to actively participate in the solar panel installation process and include lesson plans focused around solar energy. In addition, a Web-based monitoring system enables students and teachers to compare their system's solar energy generation with that of other schools.
  
  

Incentives

• Property owners can receive a property tax exemption for the appraised property value associated with the solar panel system. Businesses can subtract 10 percent of the amortized cost of a system from franchise taxes. The federal government offers a 30 percent tax credit for the photovoltaic installations; qualified residential PV systems receive a maximum of $2,000 (as of June 2011).