Dallas-Fort Worth
Ground Mount Solar in Dallas-Fort Worth
Serving Collin, Denton, Tarrant, and surrounding counties with ground-mounted solar designed for North Texas conditions.
DFW Solar at a Glance
Sunny days/year
Peak sun daily
Oncor solar customers
Federal tax credit
Our DFW Service Area
We focus on the northern and western DFW exurbs where larger lots make ground mount solar practical. These are the areas where you'll find 1+ acre properties that are ideal candidates.
Collin County
McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, Celina, Allen, Plano
Denton County
Denton, Flower Mound, Little Elm, Aubrey, Pilot Point
Rockwall County
Rockwall, Royse City, Heath, Fate
Kaufman County
Forney, Terrell, Kaufman, Crandall
Tarrant County (north)
Southlake, Keller, Roanoke, Trophy Club
Parker County
Weatherford, Willow Park, Aledo, Hudson Oaks
Notable for large lots: Prosper, Celina, and Parker County communities like Weatherford and Aledo are seeing rapid growth with many 1-5+ acre properties perfect for ground mount solar.
Electricity & Solar Buyback in DFW
How Solar Works in the Oncor Territory
DFW is in the deregulated ERCOT market. Oncor is your delivery company—they own the lines and meters—but you choose your Retail Electric Provider (REP). This matters for solar because your savings depend heavily on picking a REP with a good solar buyback plan.
Oncor has over 117,000 solar customers and is one of the most solar-friendly utilities in Texas. Their advanced meters automatically track what you send to the grid, and that data goes to your REP for credits.
Solar Buyback Plans
Several REPs offer solar buyback plans in the Oncor territory:
- Gexa Energy: Up to 15.4¢/kWh for excess solar, 1:1 credit
- Chariot Energy: 100% solar-backed plans with competitive buyback
- TXU Energy: Solar buyback options for existing customers
- Green Mountain: Renewable-focused with solar plans
Rates change frequently. We can help you understand current options when you get a quote.
Oncor Battery Incentives
Oncor offers incentives up to $9,000 for solar + battery systems through their demand response program. Here's the catch: funding runs out fast (often by spring each year).
If you're considering battery backup, timing matters. We track when these incentives reopen and can help you apply.
Dealing with North Texas Clay Soil
Over 50% of North Texas soil is expansive clay—the infamous "black gumbo." This soil can swell up to 12% when wet and shrink dramatically when dry, creating pressures that crack home foundations. Ground mount solar requires foundations designed specifically for these conditions.
The Challenge
Standard concrete footings can shift and crack as clay soil expands and contracts with seasonal moisture changes. The "active zone" where this movement occurs can extend 6-10 feet deep in North Texas.
Our Solution
We use helical pile foundations that screw down past the active zone into stable soil. These steel anchors don't shift with moisture changes and actually provide a more stable foundation than concrete in clay soil conditions.
Site assessment included: We evaluate soil conditions during your property assessment. In some areas (like rocky zones in Parker County), standard footings work fine. In heavy clay areas (common in Collin and Denton counties), we'll recommend helical piles.
Permits & Timelines by County
Most DFW cities handle permits at the municipal level. Unincorporated areas go through the county. Here's what to expect:
| County | Building | Electrical |
|---|---|---|
| Collin County | 2-3 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Denton County | 2-3 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Tarrant County | 2-4 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Rockwall County | 1-2 weeks | 1 week |
Oncor Interconnection
After permits, Oncor interconnection takes 2-4 weeks. They'll install a bidirectional meter (if needed) and grant permission to operate. We handle all the paperwork.
Total Timeline
From signed contract to system producing power: typically 6-10 weeks. The physical installation is just 2-3 days—most time is permits and utility paperwork.
Why Ground Mount Makes Sense in DFW
Fast-Growing Exurbs with Land
Collin County is one of the fastest-growing counties in America. New developments in Prosper, Celina, Anna, and Princeton often feature 1-5 acre lots. These properties have room for ground mount systems that don't depend on roof age or orientation.
New Construction Opportunity
Building a new home? Ground mount solar can be installed before or alongside home construction. You don't have to wait for the roof to be finished, and you won't need to re-roof around panels in 15 years.
HOA Considerations
North Texas HOAs can be strict about rooftop appearance. Texas law (Property Code 202.010) protects your right to install solar, but ground mount in a backyard often faces less scrutiny than rooftop panels visible from the street.
Severe Weather Resilience
DFW sees hail, high winds, and occasional tornadoes. Ground mount systems are engineered for local wind loads and use hail-rated panels. Unlike rooftop systems, they're not dependent on roof integrity—if your roof is damaged, your solar keeps working.
DFW Solar FAQ
How does solar buyback work in the Oncor service area?
Oncor is a delivery company, not a retailer, so you choose a Retail Electric Provider (REP) with a solar buyback plan. Companies like Gexa Energy, Chariot, TXU, and Green Mountain offer plans that credit you for excess solar at rates from 8-15+ cents per kWh. Your Oncor smart meter tracks what you send to the grid.
Can North Texas clay soil support ground mount solar?
Yes, with proper engineering. North Texas expansive clay (the "black gumbo") requires foundations that extend below the active zone where moisture causes soil movement. We use helical piles driven 6-10+ feet deep, anchoring into stable soil below the expansion zone.
What permits do I need for ground mount solar in DFW?
You'll need building and electrical permits. Most DFW cities (McKinney, Frisco, Plano) handle permits at the municipal level, while unincorporated areas go through the county. Typical timeline is 2-4 weeks. We handle all permitting as part of your project.
Not sure if you have enough land?
Answer a few quick questions to find out if ground mount could work for your property.
Check Your PropertyReady to Go Solar in DFW?
Get a free site assessment for your North Texas property. We'll evaluate your soil, sun exposure, and provide accurate pricing.
Check Your Property