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No Tax Credits. No Problem.

Tue, 05 May 2026 17:35:51 GMT

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Solar Just Got More Valuable in Austin — Even Without the Tax Credit

In a surprising shift that’s reshaping the residential solar equation, Austin Energy has proposed a significant increase to its Value of Solar (VoS) rate—raising it to 12.88 cents per kilowatt-hour , up from the long-standing 9.91 cents. ( Citizen Portal )

At the same time, new financing innovation—driven by partnerships like Propel and Greentech and deployed through installers such as Lighthouse Solar—is fundamentally changing how customers go solar.

The result: solar in Austin may now be a better financial decision than it was when the federal residential tax credit still existed.

The Quiet Power of the Value of Solar Increase

Austin has always operated differently from most of Texas. Instead of traditional net metering, it uses a Value of Solar model , where every kilowatt-hour your system produces is credited at a fixed rate based on its real value to the grid. ( austinenergy.com )

That rate has historically been 9.91¢/kWh , already one of the most stable and predictable solar compensation models in the country. ( austinenergy.com )

Now, with the proposed jump to 12.88¢/kWh , Austin is signaling something bigger:

A roughly 30% increase in solar value
A recognition of solar’s role in grid stability, avoided fuel costs, and environmental benefits
A stronger financial return for homeowners producing energy locally ( Citizen Portal )

In practical terms, that means every panel on your roof is earning more money than it did just months ago.

The Tax Credit Is Gone — But the Math Got Better

The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired at the end of 2025, removing what used to be a major upfront incentive. ( NuWatt Energy )

Ordinarily, that would slow adoption.

But Austin isn’t behaving like a typical market.

Instead, three forces are replacing—and in some cases exceeding—the lost value:

Higher VoS payouts (now ~12.88¢)
Local rebates (around $2,500–$3,000)
Low- or zero-interest financing options ( EnergySage )

The shift is subtle but important:
Solar is no longer driven by a one-time tax incentive—it’s now driven by ongoing cash flow and long-term value.

Financing Has Caught Up to the Opportunity

This is where new partnerships—like Propel working with Greentech and deployed through installers like Lighthouse Solar—change everything.

Historically, going solar meant:

Paying $20K–$30K upfront, or
Navigating complex loans tied to tax credits

Now, new financing models are emerging that:

Require little to no upfront cost
Offer predictable monthly payments
Capture value through system performance instead of tax positioning

Some structures even allow:

Early ownership transitions
Maintenance and performance guarantees bundled in
Immediate savings compared to utility bills

This aligns perfectly with Austin Energy’s own push toward solar leasing and accessible financing , aimed at lowering barriers to entry for homeowners. ( austinenergy.com )

Why Solar Is Arguably Better Now Than Before

At first glance, losing a 30% federal tax credit sounds like a setback.

But in Austin, the equation has flipped:

Before (Tax Credit Era):

High upfront cost offset by tax savings
Lower VoS rate (~9.91¢)
Savings dependent on tax appetite and structure

Now (Post-Tax Credit Era):

Minimal upfront cost through financing
Higher VoS rate (~12.88¢)
Stronger monthly economics and long-term returns

In other words:
Solar has shifted from a tax strategy to a cash-flow-positive energy asset.

A Market Moving Ahead of the Country

Austin continues to stand apart as one of the most progressive solar markets in the U.S.:

A transparent, utility-backed compensation model
Rising value of distributed energy
Innovative financing unlocking broader access

And with energy volatility—from global markets to grid instability—becoming more visible, the ability to produce and control your own power is no longer just environmental. It’s economic.

The Bottom Line

The increase in the Value of Solar rate, combined with next-generation financing from Propel and Greentech through Lighthouse Solar, marks a turning point.

Even without federal tax credits:

Solar in Austin isn’t just viable—it’s stronger, simpler, and more valuable than ever.

And for homeowners, the message is clear:
You’re no longer just installing panels.

 You’re investing in an energy asset that now pays more than it ever has.

Austin's Solar Makeover

dtyrrell@lighthousesolar.com (Dixie Tyrrell) — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 21:20:12 GMT

Illuminating Austin: Lighthouse Solar's Impact Across Commercial, Community, and Residential Solar

Lighthouse Leading the Way

Lighthouse Solar is leading the charge in Austin’s renewable energy transformation across diverse communities in Austin. Lighthouse has realized projects with commercial clients, affordable housing developers, non-profits, and planned residential communities, all across a wide array of scales and applications. Notable commercial projects include partners like Google, faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) and Foundation Communities. These projects demonstrate how the benefits of solar flow to the clients, residents and members of our direct customers.

The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA): Powering Communities

One of Lighthouse Solar’s most impactful portfolio is its partnership with HACA, the Housing Authority of the City of Austin. Across a series of modern affordable housing developments like the Pathways at Chalmers Court , this vital initiative is delivering solar energy to underserved communities. The benefits of solar are realized by the residents directly through the innovative program at Austin Energy called Shared Solar . The output from a single large array on the roof is allocated virtually to each residents bill and can save up to 30% on their annual energy spend. This initiative not only supports families financially but also demonstrates how clean energy can address equity challenges.

In addition to installation, Lighthouse works closely with HACA to plan future projects, provides ongoing maintenance, resident education and is working to replicate the model for other like minded developers. This project underscores the company’s commitment to integrating clean energy into the fabric of the community while empowering residents with the tools and knowledge to embrace renewable solutions.

Block 185 aka Google Tower aka Sail Tower: Corporate Innovation

At the other end of the spectrum, Lighthouse Solar partnered with DPR Construction to integrate solar energy into the building fabric that Google will lease. This small but highly complex solar installation is a visual touchpoint seen from the lake and reminds us in Austin that downtown buildings can participate in the clean energy revolution.

The solar system, strategically designed as integrated solar pergolas on two of the lake fronted outdoor decks (pro tip: Levels 11 and 16) complement the building’s modern architecture and underscores Lighthouse Solar’s ability to execute complex commercial projects. Because downtown Austin has its own electric grid structure with unique demands, it requires sophisticated controls and extensive coordination with the utility to realize the project. The lessons learned from this kind of project have elevated Lighthouse Solar's capabilities, resulting in more efficient processes benefiting all customers.

Churches: Faith in Sustainability

Lighthouse has also worked extensively with a broad range of faith-based and non-profit institutions to bring solar power to spaces of faith and community service. For many congregations, rising utility costs presented a barrier to their mission. By installing solar panels, Lighthouse Solar reduced energy expenses, allowing these churches to better direct funds toward critical community ministries such as food pantries, youth initiatives, and shelters.

Scaling Commercial Success for Residential Solutions

The expertise Lighthouse Solar has gained through its commercial projects directly enhances its residential offerings. By working on commercial scaled installations, the company has developed advanced processes, access to cutting-edge technologies, and cost efficiencies that benefit individual homeowners.

Cost-Effective Installations: Workflow improvements, greater design adaptability and enhanced coordination with utilities and municipalities result in greater operational efficiency. These efficiencies flow across our portfolio of projects, yielding lower cost, higher quality and more tailored solutions for residential projects.
Innovative Technology: The high-performance systems designed for commercial spaces are adapted for residential use, bringing state-of-the-art solutions to Austin families.
Enhanced Expertise: The experience gained from realizing complex installations and multiple stakeholder management sharpens the core capabilities, ensuring homeowners receive professional, high-quality service.

A Ripple Effect Across Austin

Lighthouse Solar’s work with HACA, Google, churches, and nonprofits is more than a collection of projects—it’s a movement to democratize clean energy by meeting the tailored needs of each of our customers. These high-profile and community-focused initiatives inspire others to adopt solar solutions, fostering a city-wide commitment to sustainability.

In Memoriam Saeed Kazmi, Silent Hero & Forever a Solar Guru

jbramble@lighthousesolar.com (Jay Bramble) — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 21:12:28 GMT

A Silent Hero

We are remembering Saeed Kazmi, a dear friend and valued employee at Lighthouse Solar. From the first day I met Saeed more than 10 years ago at a solar tour hosted by Pedernales Electric Coop, I was reminded that the work we've chosen to do relies on integrity, attention to detail, and fortitude. Saeed became a vital part of our company and brought these values to the many thousands of projects he helped design and engineer. On top of that, we were witness to his overcoming health challenges that defied belief. His professional and personal strengths remained consistent and his contributions will continue to resonate in the broader community that he helped foster while at LighthouseSolar.

Saeed Kazmi was a man of quiet strength, resilience, and profound impact. His life’s work—centered on education, philanthropy, and family—touched countless lives.

Born into tough socio-economic conditions in Pakistan, Saeed overcame immense challenges through the transformative power of education, becoming the top student in his school and opening doors to a brighter future. His belief in education inspired a lifelong mission to provide opportunities for children in Pakistan, where access to schooling often remains out of reach.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Saeed worked as a computer engineer at HP and AMD during Silicon Valley’s golden age. Despite his success, he stayed deeply connected to his roots, moving his family back to Pakistan in the 1990s to immerse them in their heritage.

Saeed’s philanthropic vision was extraordinary. He spearheaded solar-powered wells to provide clean drinking water, supported widows and small businesses through microfinancing, and focused on initiatives that empowered communities. Even in dangerous circumstances, his commitment never faltered.

His son, Ali, recalls Saeed’s love for the simple joys: the flavors of his mother’s roti and spinach curry, rooftop walks in Pakistan, and sharing extended family meals. Saeed passed on his passion for driving, inspiring Ali’s epic journey across 33 countries. He also loved to travel to Port Aransas with his family spending time with his sons and especially strolling the beach with his grandchildren.

In Austin, Saeed enjoyed bagels, World War II documentaries, and time with his six grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. Many remember him as a “silent hero,” a man who quietly transformed lives and left a legacy of hope, generosity, and love. Saeed Kazmi's memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He was a beacon of hope, innovation, and humanity, whose life exemplifies the power of one individual to make a lasting difference in the world.

One of Saeed's favorite charities was providing clean drinking water to the people of Pakistan. If you'd like to donate you can make a contribution in his honor below.
https://saviourusa.org/causes/clean-water/

The Rise of Commerical Solar in Texas

spipkin@lighthousesolar.com (Stan Pipkin) — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 21:04:35 GMT

The Impact of Commercial Solar and it's overall effect on the Solar Industry.

Over the last few years we have seen a bright spot in the solar industry emerge in the commercial community. Commonly called the C&I sector, the commercial and industrial space has attracted big developers, electrical coops, large businesses and utility companies to invest in solar. These entities leverage solar installations to lower operating costs, enhance sustainability, align with broader environmental goals and deliver value to their investors.

Economic Drivers

In addition to the steady lowering of installation costs there are several new key factors that have increased demand in the commercial sector. Electricity prices have increased nationally and in some areas quite dramatically. The Inflation Reduction Act has enacted new incentives that has expanded the market. The Direct Pay provision has been a significant boon for non-profit entities, entitling them to directly receive payment worth 30% of the value of the system from the IRS even though they do not pay taxes. The larger and older non-profit entities tend to own real estate assets (that happen to have roofs) making them a great candidate for solar acquisition. Customer sited solar provides a hedge against volatile utility rates as energy demands increase, particularly for entities with high consumption levels. Solar installations offer a cost-effective solution that lowers operating costs over the long term.

Advances in Technology

Technological advancements have played a role in the expansion of commercial solar energy. Innovations in solar panel efficiency, energy storage, and smart grid integration have made solar systems more reliable and versatile. Innovations include bifacial panels that generate more yield and more savings, hybrid inverters that can accommodate solar and battery inputs, and better designed products across the supply chain that enable lower cost installation without compromising safety or quality. Finally, economies of scale in general benefits the commercial market with more efficient technologies, more cost effective solutions, resulting in higher energy and financial returns on all systems. Energy storage solutions such as lithium-ion batteries can now store excess energy generated during the day for use during nighttime or peak demand periods, ensuring a steady and reliable power supply and the ability to monetize energy with grid services. Additionally, software advancements have enabled robust real-time management and optimization of solar systems, allowing companies to maximize their return on investment.

Case Studies and Industry Trends

In addition to the growing number of high-profile companies like Google, Apple, Samsung, and Amazon that have invested heavily in solar energy to power their operations and data centers, there is a wide array of companies across market segments who are choosing solar. High profile retailers like HEB, Whole Foods, Walmart and Target have also installed solar panels across hundreds of stores, highlighting the scalability of these systems. The rest of the business community is taking note of these leaders and has begun to evaluate this strategy for their own operations.

Expanding Access

With expanded incentives, lower install costs, higher voided costs and strong market signals we are seeing broad interest in the small to medium for-profit sectors and non-profit communities. Industries such as manufacturing, agriculture , and hospitality have adopted solar to meet their energy needs while reducing operational costs. The rise of community solar programs has further broadened access, allowing smaller businesses to participate in renewable energy initiatives like the new Austin Energy Standard Offer Program which allows businesses to lease their roof top for solar arrays.

Conclusion

As economic, environmental, and technological factors align, the growth of commercial solar energy is poised to accelerate, shaping a cleaner and more resilient energy landscape. The rise of commercial solar installations in the US marks a significant milestone in the nation’s transition to renewable energy. The U.S. solar market now employs almost 280,000 people. By embracing solar power, businesses garner new cost savings and participate in a growing new economic sector.

2025:Solar Energy becoming the Economic Engine of America!

jbramble@lighthousesolar.com (Jay Bramble) — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 17:02:56 GMT

The New Administration, Elon Musk, and Energy Independence!

Solar Energy: A Pathway to American Energy Independence

As the world seeks sustainable energy sources, solar energy has emerged as a key contender to fuel an energy-independent future for the United States. With growing investments in stateside manufacturing of solar technology, combined with the potential influence market and tech innovators, the U.S. could dramatically reshape its energy landscape, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and enhancing economic resilience.

Solar Energy and National Independence

Energy independence has long been a central aim of American energy policy. Historically, the U.S. relied heavily on oil imports, making it vulnerable to global market shifts and foreign influences. However, the rise of renewable energy sources like solar offers a clear path to a more resilient and self-sufficient energy system. We believe it is not a zero sum game, but its imperative that we find a balanced mix of energy sources that ensure resiliency at every level. Solar energy's with energy storage's core strength is local and decentralized generation—meaning individual homes, companies, and even neighborhoods can produce power at the site of the load, which actually helps gird up the larger grid.

This is a recipe for more than resilience at the individual level. When spread across the country, our collective impact translates to national security. We actually have a chance to realize a fundamental American ethic of collective strength through individual strength. Prior to widespread access to cheap, reliable and clean energy, we have never had as many tools available to realize this outcome.

Economic Benefits and Job Creation

Solar energy as an economic engine. An emphasis on solar installations across the country could create millions of jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance, providing employment for skilled workers and enhancing local economies. In many ways, solar energy is an ideal match for an “America First” energy policy. The growth of solar power infrastructure would mean more American-made technology, more American jobs, and greater control over energy production and pricing. There are currently nearly 250,000 solar jobs in Texas, but nationally we need another 1 million jobs to achieve our goals.

Elon Musk’s Role: Innovator and Touchstone

We cannot deny that Elon Musk has impacted the national discourse around solar, batteries and EVs. His companies have moved the needle in making solar energy more efficient, accessible, and affordable for the everyday consumer.

This is just part of the story. His success stands on a broad community of innovators, entrepreneurs and global commitment to realizing the energy transition. We are hopeful that his potential role in Trump's administration stands firm on this tenet. Keeping our industry committed to bold innovation, investment and swiftness relies on the right mix of signals, policies and investment. It is certainly larger than one person or one company.

There are interesting developments in Texas that show this activity working. In the deregulated territories, there are new companies promoting VPPs (Virtual Power Plants) along with Tesla. VPPs are basically microgrids that deliver energy services back tot he grid at the smae time they provide energy security to the site owner. This new business model is a market driven response to provide home energy security in an affordable manner. We just need time to let these strategies take root and work. We are guardedly optimistic that Musk will rise above the allure of transactions to see the long game at work.

Challenges and Opportunities

Solar energy production depends on sunlight, requiring innovative solutions for energy storage and grid integration to ensure reliable power during cloudy days or nighttime. This is where battery backup storage becomes crucial. By developing better storage systems and decentralized grid structures, solar energy will be consistently available, regardless of weather patterns or time of day.

The U.S. needs to continue investing in research, infrastructure, and a skilled workforce. Policy incentives play a critical role here, helping to reduce the costs of solar installations and encouraging both residential and commercial adoption. An America First energy policy can help identify cost-saving innovations and potential synergies with other sectors, such as electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, to accelerate the transition to a renewable energy economy. We at Lighthouse and our colleagues int eh industry will continue to state the simple maxim, that the best solution is the highest value, most cost efficient solution in the short term and long term. Distributed solar and storage more and more meets this criteria.

The Future of Solar: A Vision for Energy Independence

The impact of solar energy extends beyond just environmental or economic benefits; it represents a fundamental shift toward a future where America can rely on homegrown, sustainable energy sources. With the right policies and incentives, the U.S. can accelerate the adoption of solar, strengthening its energy independence and supporting a safer and more secure future.

Are you Resilient Ready?

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 18:06:07 GMT

Now is the time to become Resilient Ready!

We are still excited by the work of Seeing Energy in a Different Light.

With winter at our doorstep, let’s discuss what it means to be resilient-ready.

Firstly, make sure you remember where you’ve buried your seal meat - the frozen stash of protein used to ward off the frigid abyss. Okay, perhaps I’ve wandered off the ranch here.

What I mean to say is that the winters of the last few years in Texas mean the possibility of inconvenience, discomfort or life-threatening conditions are unfortunately all too real for us.

At Lighthouse, we hope this winter is uneventful, but to guard against the surprises, we offer a few simple tips.

Please avail yourself of the basic preparedness that our municipal resources recommend:

Austin Energy Winter Preparedness Guide : 4 P’s (People, Pets, Plants, Pipes)

Get Ready Central Texas

City Of Austin Neighborhood Preparedness Guide

For Lighthouse Solar customers who have installed a solar only system, without backup capability, please remember that the solar system relies on grid power to operate. Thus during an outage, you will need additional, independent power sources to provide energy. Some practical alternatives are hand-cranked flashlights, phone charging power blocks, portable solar generators, and firewood.
For those who have installed a system with partial home backup capability, we strongly encourage you to treat this system as you would an exit seat on a plane. Remind yourself of the system’s capabilities by checking the circuits that are intended to be supported during an outage. Make sure you have storm guard enabled, which will ensure that your batteries are fully charged prior to an anticipated weather event.
We encourage you to run the system in a simulated off-grid test and train yourself to remember which ones remain powered. You can force your system into off grid mode through your app, then verify which circuits are powered.
For those with a whole home backup system, you will have access to all your circuits, but it is important to remind yourself of how to manage the power and energy resources through time. We encourage you to run your system either in self-consumption mode or off-grid mode over a period of time, both during the day and at night, to internalize the time (duration) your system will stay powered.
Load management is another relevant strategy and it can be an active practice (ie. turning off breakers in real time) or may already an integral part of your system architecture. Some of you have specific loads that are managed independently and some of you have a smart panel that allows you to digitally prescribe the set of circuits you want to power.
If you also have a fuel based generator, you can schedule a test cycle and make sure your fuel lines or storage are in good shape.

Remember you have an active power system that includes resources of power generation and potentially energy storage. These are now powerful tools in your toolkit to stay resilient. Add to this your common sense and compassion for others and we can start to build a resilient community.

Why Home Solar is still the Cleanest and Cheapest Energy in Texas!

spipkin@lighthousesolar.com (Stan Pipkin) — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 16:48:27 GMT

Home Solar is still a great Value overall.

Let’s look again at the Sunny Side of Home Solar.

Despite the uncertainty of our public discourse around renewable energy, the fundamentals of the solar value proposition are as strong as they ever have been. The sun hasn't changed, the technologies' efficiency and capabilities continue to improve and our ability to deliver our services cost-effectively and with a positive customer experience stands on years of lessons learned and an unflagging commitment to continuous improvement. So what does Solar still do exceptionally well:

Energy Savings: Higher energy densities of current technologies mean solar panels more than ever significantly reduce electricity bills, especially in areas with high electricity rates. These savings can offset the initial investment and even lead to a net positive financial return. It is a clear way to combat inflation in your personal budget.
Tax Credits and Incentives: Federal tax credits (currently 30% under the IRA) and, in some places, state and local incentives make the upfront cost more manageable. This reduces payback time and increases the overall return on investment. With solar at historically low pricing, the investment in solar is as good as its ever been.
Increased Home Value: Studies show that solar-equipped homes often sell at a premium. Many homebuyers see solar as an attractive, sustainable feature, which can add to the home’s resale value. The realty industry is catching up with the growing number of comparables in neighborhood across the state.
Environmental Impact: Solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which helps lower carbon emissions. This appeals to consumers who prioritize sustainability and want to lessen their environmental impact. Solar and wind have amounted to more than 60% of new electricity generation added to the US grid- because it is the least expensive and happens to be the cleanest form of electricity generation.
Protection from Rising Energy Costs: Electricity rates tend to increase over time. With solar, consumers essentially lock in a portion of their energy costs, making them less vulnerable to future rate hikes. The recent winter storms and hurricanes in Texas and elsewhere, wildfires across the states and spiking new demands mean electricity prices have increased substantially in the last several years. Those with solar have insulated themselves from these cost impacts.

Meet Solar Guru//Austin Scully

kchrapliwy@gmail.com (Kerry Chrapliwy) — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 17:11:52 GMT

Meet Solar Guru: Austin Scully

My Journey Through Adventure & Solar

Austin Scully is a customer experience specialist at Lighthouse Solar, where he plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth system installations and customer satisfaction. His journey in solar began at just 15 years old, working alongside his father, an installer for the company. That early exposure to solar energy ignited a passion for problem-solving that continues to fuel his career today.

From Early Beginnings to Expertise

Austin graduated from St. Edward’s University in 2019 with a degree in mathematics. His academic background provides him with a unique perspective on the technical and problem-solving aspects of the solar industry. He relishes the challenge of identifying and solving customer system issues, ensuring every Lighthouse Solar installation functions at its best.

One of the most transformative advancements Austin has witnessed in the solar industry is the introduction of microinverters. Unlike traditional DC inverters, microinverters optimize each solar panel individually, improving efficiency and making troubleshooting simpler. This kind of innovation, Austin believes, exemplifies how the solar industry is evolving to deliver better, more reliable solutions.

Advocating for Solar Energy and the Texas Grid

Austin is a passionate advocate for solar energy, not only for its environmental benefits but also for its role in enhancing energy independence. He highlights the challenges Texas faces with its growing population, noting that the state’s power grid struggles to meet increasing demand.

Austin sees microgrids—integrated systems of solar panels, batteries, and generators—as a key solution. These systems enable homeowners to store and generate their own power, reducing strain on the grid and minimizing the risk of brownouts. For Austin, going solar isn’t just about energy savings; it’s about empowering individuals and supporting the broader Texas community.

Adventures Beyond Solar

Austin’s adventurous spirit extends beyond his professional life. As a student, he was a member of the rock climbing team at St. Edward’s University, competing nationally and exploring climbing spots in Utah, Colorado, and Texas. Today, he’s an avid mountain biker and gravel rider, frequenting trails like Brushy Creek and Rocky Hill Park, including a recent 300-mile trek.

He loves exploring the vibrant brewery scene and disc golf courses in Austin, which he calls home. Whether riding trails or playing disc golf, Austin thrives on the challenge and excitement of outdoor activities, drawing parallels between these pursuits and his work in the solar industry.

A Hands-On Approach to Electricity and Life

Currently, a journeyman electrician, Austin is working toward becoming a master electrician. He finds inspiration in the “invisible” nature of electricity, likening it to solving a puzzle. Austin’s fascination with making the unseen tangible reflects his drive to help homeowners better understand their energy consumption and maximize their solar systems’ efficiency.

He also sees connections between his hobbies and his work. Just as rock climbing and mountain biking require careful planning and risk management, so does working with electricity. Both are about tackling challenges head-on, staying level-headed, and embracing the adventure.

Why Lighthouse Solar?

For Austin, Lighthouse Solar stands out because of its purpose-driven approach. Though the team is relatively small, its expertise and innovation rival larger competitors. With architects and master electricians on staff, Lighthouse Solar handles everything from commercial to residential projects with precision and care.

Austin values the company’s commitment to customer relationships and its mission to make the world a better place. He believes Lighthouse’s balanced focus on quality, fairness and profitability, is what sets it apart. For him, being part of such a dedicated team is both rewarding and inspiring.

Making the Invisible Visible

Austin’s passion for solar energy and his role at Lighthouse Solar embody his broader mission: to shed light on the invisible forces that power our lives. Whether through solving customer challenges, exploring new technologies, or sharing his love for adventure, Austin brings energy, insight, and determination to everything he does.

If you’re considering going solar, Austin Scully’s story is a testament to how solar energy not only powers homes but also transforms lives—one customer at a time.

Five Things to Consider in Going Solar in Austin

spipkin@lighthousesolar.com (Stan Pipkin) — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 18:30:38 GMT

Five Things to Consider in Going Solar in Austin

The sun shines everywhere, but going solar is a bit different in each place. Here are 5 things to consider when looking to go solar in Austin.

Understand Your Needs and Your Site

There are many dimensions to this, but begin with the obvious. Do you have unshaded or partially shaded areas of your site that can support solar? Do you need to build a structure in that area or can you use the roof or existing infrastructure? Go through your bills and look at your patterns of energy consumption and decide what kind of impact you would want to make on offsetting that energy use.

Are you thinking about resiliency and do you already have a plan for that? Backup power capabilities can ensure you don’t lose power during an outage. It is important to also consider how much backup power you think you need. We recommend running scenarios to decide exactly what you are looking to solve.

If this is new construction or a remodel, consider the choice of electrical systems, HVAC and appliances to manage your overall level of consumption. Solar gets less expensive if it is smaller and still accomplishes your goal.

Understand the Technology

The basics of converting sunlight into usable power are fairly standard at this point. The choice of the system architecture is still an open design question. Whether you are looking at high-efficiency solar panels, architecturally integrated panels, or more commodity panels may help determine the price class your system can fall under.

The choice of inverter is also critical. Microinverters, string inverters, or hybrid inverters are options to solve different types of site constraints or future system capabilities.

Battery-based systems also demand scrutiny. How a system responds to high instantaneous power needs or lasts as long as you intend can influence whether we recommend a DC-coupled, AC-coupled, power stacking, or generator-integrated system.

We recommend you think carefully about what you need and evaluate the solutions based on that criteria.

Understand How Austin Energy Bills and Credits for Solar

Austin is unique in many ways- how solar economics works is one of the things we call weird. Austin Energy’s policy for grid-connected solar systems is called Gross Metering. This is distinct from Net Metering and does not have a buyback rate that is different from the voided cost. Instead Austin Energy uses an innovative concept called the Value of Solar (VoS). Simply said, the VoS is a calculated rate that equals the utility’s cost-neutral value of solar energy equal to the cost of energy delivered by traditional means to the same place and at the same time. It is calculated using a transparent methodology that considers the locational cost, time cost, congestion cost and environmental cost of delivering the equivalent energy to your site. The alternative for Austin Energy is to buy power from the ERCOT market that could be produced by any number of generators (fossil fuel, wind, etc), transmitted across great distances, and competing with all the other demands on the grid at that moment. Solar solves each of these very elegantly. Solar is produced during the day, is clean and travels from your roof to your fridge without going anywhere else.

Now how Austin Energy then bills you, the consumer, takes a little unpacking. The first thing to know is that AE decouples your energy consumption and your solar energy production. What it takes to run your building will look like your total consumption. Add up all the loads, and how long they run and you will get your total consumption. If you have solar on the roof, some of the loads will be powered by solar (during the day) and some will be served by the grid. This is just a fact of how electricity likes to flow.

Austin Energy will meter (track) the power from your solar system and track the energy they send to you and do some math to arrive at your total consumption. They bill you on this total and according to the tiered rates they have in place.

Then- and this is the great thing- AE will credit you at the Value of Solar rate for all of the KWH that is generated from your solar system, regardless of where the electrons go. Imagine you are out of town for a month in the summer and your consumption is very low, but your solar production is high. Some of the solar energy will flow to the grid and you will still get the full Value of Solar for that production.

The VoS is evaluated every 3 years by looking at the rates in the energy market. Based on the real events of the last few years, the rates in the power market have gone up, which will push the VoS up higher in the years to come. This will basically make your solar system produce higher value KWH over time.

Are You Eligible for a Rebate?

Austin Energy offers a $2,500 rebate for residential customers provided they meet the eligibility requirements. You can only get a rebate if you use a solar company that is on the Austin Energy's participating contractor list. Your chosen solar company will apply for the Austin Energy rebate for you. After the solar company applies for the rebate, Austin Energy reviews the application to make sure that the project meets program guidelines. If the project is approved, you will receive a rebate confirmation letter. Once the system has been installed and given PTO (Permission to Operate) Austin Energy will send you a check for $2,500.

Think About the Future

Consider whether your energy use will increase over time, such as adding an electric vehicle, home office, or additional home appliances. Install a slightly larger system or ensure you can increase the size at a later date to help meet these potential needs.
Battery storage compatibility - If you choose not to add storage right away, ensure your system is compatible with battery solutions that you may want to add in the future.
Maintenance and warranty considerations - check the warranties on all the major components of your system - solar panels, inverters, batteries. Many components now come with a 25 year warranty. Perhaps most importantly, check the workmanship warranty of your installer. Have they been in business for a long time? Do they have a good reputation and good reviews. Do they have a service department?
Resale value and home appreciation—According to a Zillow study, solar panels will increase the value of your home by about 4%. Ensuring the system looks integrated with your home, and is easy to transfer and manage can appeal to future buyers.

Important Contact Information for Lighthouse Solar

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 17:43:52 GMT

Helpful Info!

Helpful Numbers and Contact Information.

The Lighthouse Promise to our customers.

Developing and maintaining long, happy customer relationships is a crucial component of the Lighthouse Way. We are dedicated to providing outstanding customer service and support through clear and consistent communication.

Whether you are a new or existing customer, have a simple inquiry or a complex issue, we aim to understand your needs and provide solutions that exceed your expectations. Our team is trained to handle each situation professionally and efficiently.

Please use the links and contact information below so we can maintain clear and open lines of communication and better serve you.

Thank you for choosing Lighthouse as your trusted partner!

Helpful Info!

Sales - 512-476-5555 ext.1 or use the Contact Form

(new systems, system additions, batteries, EV chargers)

Service - 512-475-5555 ext. 2 or use the Contact Form

(system issues and maintenance, inspections, warranty, deinstall/reinstall, panel cleaning)

Contact Form - https://lighthousesolartx.com/contact

Our Tech Partners Info.

Enphase Homeowner Support - https://enphase.com/support/homeowners

Get In Touch!

For feedback and suggestions, contact our Communications Coordinator

Dixie Tyrrell at dtyrrell@lighthousolar.com

Reviews
Share your love of Solar & LIghthouse

If we have exceeded your expectations, please write us a review!

Google review - https://share.google/ggMqIBN3Vrej29f0Q

Yelp review - https://www.yelp.com/biz/lighthouse-solar-austin

The Future of Solar!

spipkin@lighthousesolar.com (Stan Pipkin) — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 23:49:28 GMT

Solar Energy by 2050

We are coming out of the night country. Literally and figuratively. The sun is climbing in the sky and is on track to be the leading part of our energy supply. But we are just at the beginning. Market penetration for solar is under 5%. That’s 1 in 20 homes, but certainly not evenly distributed. Imagine a future where 1 in 4 or every other home has solar. Look ahead, squint, and you can see every home generating its own power.

How we get there is not an inevitability, but will draw on all of us to lower the barriers, foster adoption, and spur innovation. Think of how the promise of modernity in the last century was enabled by electrification in all aspects of our lives. We are now talking about how the generation, management, and sharing of clean electricity can define a new era.

I strongly believe that solar is an organizing force to how our society can evolve. Lighthouse Solar will continue to push, but we will need your help.

Help us make solar and clean Energy a reality in Austin by sharing your love of Solar Power. In this and subsequent newsletters, I will explore some simple ways to activate the powerful levers of the network effect of how to increase the adoption of solar energy. Below are a few talking points that we can all share with our friends, neighbors, and family to help them on their solar Journey!

Review- share your experience publicly.

Refer- tell a friend directly.

Reflect- think about how energy is affecting your life.

These three ways help keep good companies organically at the top of the page. Customer acquisition can cost the consumer dearly- sometimes 30% of the entire cost of the system. These costs often hide the bad players in the solar industry's poor work and poorer reputation raising the cost of entry for all solar companies.

Let's talk briefly about the first: Reviewing LighthouseSolar on the Business Page .

A public review on our Google business page has become the most powerful way to understand the merits of a company - the good and the bad. We take all feedback as constructive. We examine positive feedback for how we support our processes and with constructive criticism, we can see blindspots where we need to improve.

Added to this, search engines are putting more stock in reviews for this very reason. We think this is important and need your help to bolster the feedback we have on our business page.

So, thank you in advance for helping keep the costs down for the next person and keeping the bad players at bay. This has been our model since we started and the only thing we want to change is that we want more people to jump on the clean energy train.

Economics of Solar Power

jbramble@lighthousesolar.com (Jay Bramble) — Wed, 15 May 2024 22:24:17 GMT

The Economics of Solar Energy

What are the Economics of Solar?

The solar industry began with a single burden - demonstrate that a solar investment makes financial sense. We aim to expound on the richness of the larger embrace of solar energy, but we are still almost always asked to quantify the ROI of a solar project. To reach our goals, those of Lighthouse and those of our planet, we need to remove all the barriers to adopting solar. To this end, let’s recap the fundamental financial attributes of a solar investment.

At its most basic, solar can be evaluated as a simple payback, calculated as the time it takes to recover the initial investment using the cost of electricity over time. We can assume either a conservative increase or no inflation in energy. In either case, the other choices to buy electricity come with a practical option to consider an ROI. Further considerations come with this calculation.

A Powerful Hedge: Fixed Pricing on electricity rates for at least 30 years. Buying solar now locks in a price that is amortized over the life of the system. We call this Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). While Utility rates increase, your solar kilowatt hour will stay the same. Imagine if you had bought 25,000 gallons of gasoline in 1982 and stored it in your backyard. (Actually, that’s quite scary). Utility rates reflect general Inflation, but they also respond to general growth. New power generation has to come from somewhere to serve the growing population and growing electrification of our lives. As the transportation sector electrifies, the same number of people will use substantially more juice. We have to pay for new generation- a cost reflected in utility rates.
The Cleanest Energy is now the Cheapest. Yes, solar is the cheapest and cleanest form of new energy generation. While Texas is the leader in new solar, there is still the cost to transport electricity from West Texas- something that is avoided by putting the power plant on your roof. We see that, considering the challenges of moving power around the grid, the most practical solution is to locate the generation right where you use it. Solar is the only viable, scalable solution that co-locates where the load is, without noxious fumes- think fossil fuels, or still expensive fuel sources- think hydrogen. For those with EVs but no solar, remember that the electrons are coming from somewhere, and in our neck of the woods, that’s 65% likely to be from fossil fuels. A great podcast exploring these issues and more is: The Energy Transition .
Resale value on average you gain 4-5% of your total home value. Solar is a part of your home and it increases equity like other improvements. Think of it as the granite countertop that pays for itself over time but is also functional.

These are just the most basic tenets. In talking with our customers, we have heard as many different motivations as you could count.

5 Things to Consider in Going Solar in Leander

dtyrrell@lighthousesolar.com (Dixie Tyrrell) — Wed, 01 May 2024 18:06:14 GMT

5 Things to Consider in Going Solar in Leander

The sun shines everywhere, but going solar is a bit different in each place. Here are 5 things to consider when looking to go solar if you live in the City of Leander.

1) Understand Your Needs and Your Site

There are many dimensions to this, but begin with the obvious. Do you have unshaded or partially shaded areas that can support solar power? Do you need to build a structure, or can you use the roof or existing infrastructure? Go through your bills and look at your patterns of energy consumption over a 12-month period. Decide what kind of impact you would want to make on offsetting that energy use.

Are you thinking about resiliency to interruptions in the power supply - do you already have a plan for that? Backup power capabilities can ensure you don’t lose power during an outage. It is important also to consider how much backup power you think you need. Which of your electrical loads would you want to be powered during an outage? Do you want/need your whole home backed up during an outage, or would a partial home backup be more suitable and cost-effective?

If this is new construction or a remodel, consider the choice of electrical systems, HVAC, and appliances to manage your overall level of consumption. Solar becomes less expensive if it is smaller but still accomplishes your goal.

2) Understand the Technology

The choice of inverter is also very important. Microinverters, string inverters or hybrid inverters are options to solve different types of site constraints or future system capabilities.

We recommend carefully considering what you need and evaluating the solutions based on that criteria.

3) Understand how PEC Bills and Credits for Solar

Self-consumed solar energy will offset your electric bill in the same way as net metering. Surplus energy returned to PEC will be credited at 6.9 cents per kWh. If you have batteries they can help lower the amount of electricity sent back to PEC by storing surplus solar energy.

The meter measures the delivered energy from PEC and the received energy from the member to PEC. Members with a solar system will avoid the full-retail cost of energy from PEC by first using their generation before the meter. Energy consumed from PEC’s system will be billed at the Flat Base Power Charge.

Delivered Energy is the total energy delivered to a member from PEC during the billing cycle.
Received Energy is the total surplus energy PEC receives during the billing cycle.

4) Specific Requirements When Working in the City of Leander

Due to their adoption of the 2015 International Fire Code, Leander has some specific requirements regarding the placement of the solar panels. A clear pathway, usually around 3 feet wide, is required in areas around the solar array to ensure firefighter access and safety during an emergency. This affects the design of your system and the amount of solar panels that can fit on your roof.

5) Think About the Future

Your future energy needs—Consider whether your energy use will increase over time, such as adding an electric vehicle, home office, or additional home appliances. Install a slightly larger system or ensure you can increase the size at a later date to help meet these potential needs.

Battery storage compatibility - If you choose not to add storage right away, ensure your system is compatible with battery solutions that you may want to add in the future.

Maintenance and warranty considerations - check the warranties on all the major components of your system - solar panels, inverters, batteries. Many components now come with a 25 year warranty. Perhaps most importantly, check the workmanship warranty of your installer. Have they been in business for a long time? Do they have a good reputation and good reviews. Do they have a service department?

Resale value and home appreciation—According to a Zillow study, solar panels will increase the value of your home by about 4%. Ensuring the system looks integrated with your home, and is easy to transfer and manage can appeal to future buyers.

Photo Credit PEC

Meet Solar Guru Jay Bramble

dtyrrell@lighthousesolar.com (Dixie Tyrrell) — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 23:19:22 GMT

Jay Bramble, Head of Sales at Lighthouse Solar

We are nothing without our people. Meet the people who make Lighthouse a reality.

Jay Bramble is LightHouse Solar's head of sales and sales leader. Coming from a long line of mathematicians and adventures, Jay was first a Lighthouse Solar customer. He’s been the top salesperson for Trek Bikes and is a former tennis professional and teacher. Always up for a lively debate on all things including our planet's future. Jay loves to work at a company that maximizes the Earth's resources more efficiently. Jay has brought world-class acumen to the sales team at Lighthouse Solar.

Our approach is a consultative sales approach. Under his guidance, we’ve incorporated new technologies like Aerial Photography that speed up our time to get estimates more accurately.

The Lighthouse Solar Team also uses a custom estimate tool that makes every Lighthouse Solar install a custom install. The estimating software also allows us to accept projects that other Solar companies might not be willing to attempt. In his free time, Jay spends most weekends with his wife Tarah, a Principal at a local Austin Charter School, and his son Jimmy, who’s a starting pitcher beginning his Austin High School baseball career this Fall.

Seeing Energy in a Different Light!

spipkin@lighthousesolar.com (Stan Pipkin) — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 23:35:19 GMT

We are still excited by the work of Seeing Energy in a Different Light.

RE+ and the Latest Solar News!

What I remember, let alone mention, about a recent trip to Las Vegas is full of strong contradictions. Of course, I am talking about the RE+ conference, the solar industry’s annual convention last month. At 40,000 visitors, it topped all previous years in enthusiasm and energy. But digging in, I noticed something more profound. The last year has been difficult for many in the industry, considering supply chain challenges, escalating interest rates, severe storms, and general economic uncertainty. The residential solar market is down 20% from last year. But despite these headwinds, the companies exhibiting at RE+ all displayed a level of tenacity, determination, and buoyancy that belies these realities. And these are companies - manufacturers, suppliers, software, and installers - who have been on the solar coaster and are not naive to the hard work still ahead of us.

For this, we can celebrate. Our solar industry is growing up and is rising to the challenges that affect us all.

In our Central Texas corner of the world, we have exhibited this same grit coupled with this same sense of optimism. Lighthouse’s performance this past year has defied the industry trend, so much so that we can claim the top spot for installs in Austin, according to an industry analytics company, Ohm Analytics . We are proud to buck the trend. Although it’s for more than the numbers that we can celebrate. We owe gratitude to our customers, whose trust in us and challenge to us has allowed us to continuously improve and grow. Thank you.

Come celebrate with us. We are bringing the SPAN Tiny House to Austin on October 19th at the Brewtorium for an interactive smart panel technology demo and to share libations. Thank you again for helping us top the local charts!

Warmest (and I mean that) regards,

Stan

How Solar increases your home's resale value.

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 18:06:07 GMT

The Gift that Keeps Giving: How Solar Increases Your Home’s Resale Value.

Homeowners are increasingly turning to solar not only to save money and free themselves of grid dependence but also to increase the value of their homes. Let's look at how installing a solar system achieves this.

Some of our realtor clients and friends have anecdotally corroborated that our solar systems have impacted the bottom line of the home’s value. Statistically, a study by Zillow found that homes with solar panels sold for 4% more than homes without them. In 2023 the median home listing price in Austin is $641,500 creating on average about $26,000 in resale value. Higher-priced homes have seen additional resale values of up to $60,000 attributable to the on-site solar system. Adding a solar energy system from Lighthouse Solar is the only investment that pays you on day one while adding to your home's value.

Compared to other active systems in your home, A solar system is relatively maintenance-free. Monitoring the energy production and health of the system can be done from a mobile phone, and installers warranty the workmanship of the systems they install for 25 years. However many systems can last much longer.

As one of the first solar companies in Austin, we installed solar systems for the early adopters in the late 2000’s. Folks are no longer skeptical of solar power as many were back then. Nowadays, more and more people find that a well-designed and well-installed solar system adds to a home's aesthetic appeal. Homeowners looking to sell a solar-powered home should keep the system up-to-date and in good condition. Home buyers interested in a solar home should get as much information about the system as possible from the seller and, where possible, have the solar company that installed the system perform a health check.

As we head towards a more sustainable future, solar stands out as a healthy alternative to fossil fuels, a way to gain energy independence, and a financially savvy decision in the real estate world.

Meet Andy Bush // Solar Guru

kchrapliwy@gmail.com (Kerry Chrapliwy) — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 18:06:07 GMT

Introducing Andy Bush, Design Estimator at Lighthouse Solar

We are nothing without our people. Meet the people who make Lighthouse a reality.

Watching the current flow through Andy is as real as the changes in technology and history that have impacted his family’s culture, his power, and Lighthouse Solar.

Andy’s title is Design Estimator. During his time with Lighthouse Solar, he has always had a bright vision for the future of energy. He knew from early on that solar and smart grids were the future, and he’s used these forward-focused ideals to position Lighthouse at the forefront of the solar industry. Andy describes his passion for the company in the fact that “we are always willing to test our solutions taking on projects with inherent challenges.” This culture of attacking various challenges with inventive flexibility is what gets Andy’s currents flowing. He loves that Lighthouse will invest the time and energy to not only keep up with the constant Residential Machine Volume (RMV), but also invest in truly one-of-a-kind installations that help shape innovation.

From Flashlight to Smart Grid. Andy compares early Solar Technology to an old flashlight. However, in the 2010’s, Andy’s world changed when he took a class on Smart Grid technology. The vision of every solar system becoming smarter than your smartphone captured his imagination. Today, that vision has become a reality, with new battery backup systems from Enphase and Smart Panels from Span. As the revolutionary advancements in the solar industry continue, Andy’s commitment to progress never changes. He focuses on keeping up with the constant industry changes, which is something he loves about the space.

He finds this dynamism even in daily work processes, as he is “specifying the parts for all the systems… while...always having to look for the best product for the application or the newest solution that makes sense.” Even in these evolving daily tasks, we see Andy’s passion.

A resident of Austin since 1984, he boasts that the city has always been a place of great diversity. It is full of Cowboys and Hippies, International UT Students, and the Geeks of the tech world. This eclectic bunch made Austin great back then and is what continues to make it great now. He’s fascinated with American History and how we, quite literally, got to where we are today. He imagines the challenges of traversing the great river crossings and mountains of Appalachia. Could we do it today? These interests are rooted in his family’s journey of emigrating from Ireland during the Potato Famine to Natchez Mississippi. It is here where his great-grandfather met a Cherokee woman and the rest is Bush family history. When not fascinated by the Louisiana Purchase and the effects of the Civil War, Andy is channeling the musical history of local places that shaped his youth. Austin's Liberty Lunch was an amazing place to take in a concert, like Bob Mould’s, Sugar. While on a sabbatical, the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans allowed him to take on the SugarCubes and Bjork at Tippitinas, and other greats like Dr. John, the Neville Brothers, and other various Jazz and Hip Hop acts. These rich and diverse currents of Light, Energy, and Music have always flowed through Andy making him who he is today.

Hail Damage?

dtyrrell@lighthousesolar.com (Dixie Tyrrell) — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:07:53 GMT

What to do if you have Hail Damage to your Solar System?

First, we hope you and your loved ones made it safely from the severe weather and Hail Storms that came through Austin Sunday night. We have been in touch with many of you already.

Solar System Repair Checklist

If you suffered Hail Damage, you need to take a few actions immediately to safeguard your Solar System. If not you may be doing further damage to your systems.

1) Call, email, or contact the Lighthouse Solar Team to schedule a time for us to come out and inspect the Hail Storm damage.

2) If your Solar Panels or System have received damage as a precaution, please turn off your Solar AC Disconnect Switch. It's a box near your electrical panel with a large handle. Simply pull the handle down to turn it off. For those that have a Central Inverter Disconnect the DC Switch as well. If you are unsure or don't know please contact us.

3) DO NOT ALLOW ANY ROOFING COMPANY TO WORK ON YOUR SOLAR SYSTEM, DOING SO WILL VOID THE EXTENDED 15 OR 25-YEAR WARRANTY.

4) DO NOT SIGN ANY AGREEMENTS OR AGREE TO ANY SERVICE WITHOUT CHECKING OUT THE COMPANIES BACKGROUND AND HISTORY. Unfortunately, there are a high number of scammers and untrustworthy contractors/ambulance chasers at this time. Please be extremely vigilant as these people can seem friendly, and helpful, and be very pushy and persuasive only to never be seen again once they receive payment. Also never do business with someone that is requesting cash payment.

5) Contact your Homeowner's Insurance Agent to open a claim if you did receive damage. This will help get the claim opened and the property inspected, allowing you to get estimates and help expedite the claim process.

6) If you have roof damage and are looking for a roofing company for repair services. They are highly recommended and you can reach them at jackiel@qualityroofingaustin.com

7) Relax and take a deep breath. Your home and solar systems can be replaced, your family and loved ones cannot.

Span Tiny House in Austin!

jbramble@lighthousesolar.com (Jay Bramble) — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:01:19 GMT

Stan shares his views on SPAN Smart Panels.

Date: 10.19.2023

Time: 6-8 pm

Location: Central Austin, Texas // location to be shared once you RSVP.

The SPAN TINY HOUSE is on its way to Austin, Texas. We're excited to share with you the future of smart solar technology for the home. The SPAN Digital Control Panel allows you to see your energy in a different light through smart energy management.

Extreme Weather on the Way
In case of a power outage or extreme weather event, you manage your power digitally from an app for total control. Winter Storms are nothing new to Texas. It's time to prepare for the next extreme weather event. Integrating a smart SPAN Electric Panel opens up a new way to use and control the energy you create with your Lighthouse Solar System.

Power Your EV Twice as Fast
One example is you can charge your EV more effectively and even decrease the time of charging.

New Levels of Control
Adjust, monitor, and manage the power for your family's power in one easy-to-use app from your mobile phone.

Space is Limited
Lighthouse Solar is excited to host this hands-on experience of the SPAN TINY HOUSE. Come see for yourself on Thursday, October 19th, 2023.

RVSP NOW as space is limited it's a Tiny House:)

Meet Solar Guru//Chris Creech

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 00:45:44 GMT

Introducing Chris Creech, Lead Service Expert at Lighthouse Solar

We are nothing without our people. Meet the people who make Lighthouse a reality.

Meet Chris Creech. Chris is a licensed electrician and lead service technician for Lighthouse. Before getting into the Solar Industry, he received a bachelor of science in Applied Sociology (Philosophy Minor) at Texas State University. Most importantly, he met his wife, Clarissa, now a public school teacher at AISD and a enthusiastic partner in their bright adventure.

Chris and Clarissa recently purchased their first home and now spend most of their free time renovating it. When they have the chance, they love to go see live music. As a former professional musician, Chris muses, "I know how difficult it can be, and love to support our local artists. They make the city what it is." He adds, "For all of us out in the field, we may be saving the planet; but we’re truly here to provide for our families. The folks in our industry are some of the toughest I've met."

Chris believes that our team's kindness and commitment to quality work sets Lighthouse apart, even when no one's watching. "As a service tech, this allows me to focus on helping all solar customers, not just our own installs. Having spent nearly 7 years in the solar industry, I've seen companies create unrealistic expectations. What keeps me at Lighthouse is our dedication to taking care of customers, offering practical solutions, and helping them understand their systems better. While in my current capacity, I don't make the same sounds I did as a musician, my work at Lighthouse produces melodies I can be proud of."

Chris would like to give a shout-out to his late mother’s non-profit, Killeen Creators (IG: killeen_creators), which combats food insecurity, PTSD, and disenfranchisement through community initiatives.

https://www.killeencreators.org/donate

Have you cleaned your Solar Panels?

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 00:38:29 GMT

Is it time to clean your Solar Panels?

Dirty, Dusty, and Grimy Panels Cost up to 6 Billion Dollars in Lost Energy Capture Each Year.

Summer is typically the highest return for your solar investment. We are blessed with a plentiful Sun that we turn into power, but how much are we wasting?

The OTTCAST/PODCAST talks about the issues of soiling and how much dirty panels can cost homeowners.

Short Term.
Every year we lose up to $6 Billion Dollars in wasted solar energy capture due to soiling. From early Spring when pollen dust builds up on solar panels all the way through late-Summer, Fall when dust and debris compound the problem.

Rain alone doesn't clean the solar panels in all cases. Lighthouse Solar offers cleaning services to make certain your system is up to speed and running optimally. Simply reach out to our team and schedule a cleaning. You will see the boost in energy immediately. Get back to capturing the most solar energy possible.

Long Term.
When you don’t clean glass over a long time, it can become permanently etched. We want to help you get thirty years or more out of your Lighthouse Solar Systems. Regular maintenance and cleaning will help keep your systems running to peak energy capture.

Span Smart Panels

kchrapliwy@gmail.com (Kerry Chrapliwy) — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 22:57:44 GMT

Power your EV Twice as fast with a digital

SPAN Smart Panel

We are at the dawn of solar electrification. These are technologies that extend the sun’s power into new facets of your life.

In the past two years, the software that manages your Solar Power Systems has really evolved and improved. Now you can manage all of your home's power individually through a single app anywhere on your smartphone. It allows you to look at your total power consumption. More importantly, it allows you to manage every aspect of your power usage down to the fridge. In practical terms technology allows you to do many things. Let’s say you own an EV. Currently, your panel code may only allow you to charge your EV at 30 amps.

Now with the SPAN smart-power software management via SPAN smart panels, you can power your EV vehicle at 50 amps in between your central air conditioning power cycles.

Potentially increasing the speed at which your Electric Vehicle charges by over 80%.

Another practical application in a power outage, either by storm or forced ERCOT rolling brownout. You can prioritize and manage your battery usage down to the exact device. Selecting which of your power needs makes the most sense. Being able to turn on the critical appliances while eliminating or removing the others you may not need. You can raise the thermostat, remove appliances, and reprioritize power consumption which will extend your battery life until power is restored.

We’d love to meet up and chat about the innovation in the power management software. Whether you are a new customer or an existing customer give us a call today for a free system audit. It's never too soon before the next unknown Central Texas weather event.

lhs-final

No Tax Credits. No Problem.

Save 1/3 Instantly,

+Earn 30% More!

Solar Just Got More Valuable in Austin — Even Without the Tax Credit

The Quiet Power of the Value of Solar Increase

The Tax Credit Is Gone — But the Math Got Better

Financing Has Caught Up to the Opportunity

Why Solar Is Arguably Better Now Than Before

A Market Moving Ahead of the Country

The Bottom Line

Austin's Solar Makeover

Illuminating Austin: Lighthouse Solar's Impact Across Commercial, Community, and Residential Solar

Lighthouse Leading the Way

The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA): Powering Communities

Block 185 aka Google Tower aka Sail Tower: Corporate Innovation

Churches: Faith in Sustainability

Scaling Commercial Success for Residential Solutions

A Ripple Effect Across Austin

In Memoriam Saeed Kazmi, Silent Hero & Forever a Solar Guru

A Silent Hero

﻿

The Rise of Commerical Solar in Texas

The Impact of Commercial Solar and it's overall effect on the Solar Industry.

Economic Drivers

Advances in Technology

Case Studies and Industry Trends

Expanding Access

Conclusion

2025:Solar Energy becoming the Economic Engine of America!

The New Administration, Elon Musk, and Energy Independence!

Solar Energy: A Pathway to American Energy Independence

Solar Energy and National Independence

Economic Benefits and Job Creation

Elon Musk’s Role: Innovator and Touchstone

Challenges and Opportunities

﻿ The Future of Solar: A Vision for Energy Independence

Are you Resilient Ready?

Why Home Solar is still the Cleanest and Cheapest Energy in Texas!

Home Solar is still a great Value overall.

Let’s look again at the Sunny Side of Home Solar.

Meet Solar Guru//Austin Scully

Meet Solar Guru: Austin Scully

My Journey Through Adventure & Solar

Advocating for Solar Energy and the Texas Grid

Adventures Beyond Solar

A Hands-On Approach to Electricity and Life

Why Lighthouse Solar?

Making the Invisible Visible

Five Things to Consider in Going Solar in Austin

Five Things to Consider in Going Solar in Austin

Important Contact Information for Lighthouse Solar

Helpful Info!

The Future of Solar!

Solar Energy by 2050

Economics of Solar Power

The Economics of Solar Energy

What are the Economics of Solar?

5 Things to Consider in Going Solar in Leander

5 Things to Consider in Going Solar in Leander

The sun shines everywhere, but going solar is a bit different in each place. Here are 5 things to consider when looking to go solar if you live in the City of Leander.

Meet Solar Guru Jay Bramble

Jay Bramble, Head of Sales at Lighthouse Solar

We are nothing without our people. Meet the people who make Lighthouse a reality.

Seeing Energy in a Different Light!

We are still excited by the work of Seeing Energy in a Different Light.

How Solar increases your home's resale value.

The Gift that Keeps Giving: How Solar Increases Your Home’s Resale Value.

Meet Andy Bush // Solar Guru

Hail Damage?

What to do if you have Hail Damage to your Solar System?

Span Tiny House in Austin!

Stan shares his views on SPAN Smart Panels.

Meet Solar Guru//Chris Creech

Introducing Chris Creech, Lead Service Expert at Lighthouse Solar

Have you cleaned your Solar Panels?

Is it time to clean your Solar Panels?

Span Smart Panels

Power your EV Twice as fast with a digital

﻿ SPAN Smart Panel

The Future of Solar: A Vision for Energy Independence

SPAN Smart Panel