Hill Country
Ground Mount Solar for Texas Hill Country
Solar solutions designed for the unique terrain, utilities, and character of the Texas Hill Country.
Hill Country Solar at a Glance
Sunny days/year
Peak sun daily
Electric co-ops
Federal tax credit
Our Hill Country Service Area
We serve the heart of Texas Hill Country—from Fredericksburg to Wimberley, Kerrville to Marble Falls. These areas are known for larger properties, scenic beauty, and the rocky terrain that requires specialized installation expertise.
Gillespie County
Fredericksburg, Stonewall, Harper, Doss
Kendall County
Boerne, Comfort, Sisterdale, Waring
Blanco County
Blanco, Johnson City, Round Mountain
Hays County (west)
Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Driftwood
Kerr County
Kerrville, Hunt, Ingram, Center Point
Burnet County
Marble Falls, Burnet, Spicewood, Horseshoe Bay
Llano County
Llano, Kingsland, Sunrise Beach
Bandera County
Bandera, Medina, Pipe Creek, Tarpley
Property sizes: Most Hill Country properties we work with are 5-50+ acres. Even smaller 1-2 acre lots typically have room for ground mount when rooftop isn't ideal.
Hill Country Electric Co-ops & Solar Programs
Understanding Co-op Solar Policies
Unlike urban areas with a single utility, Hill Country properties are served by various electric cooperatives. Each co-op has different solar policies—your economics depend heavily on which co-op serves you.
The good news: all co-ops allow solar. The details of how they credit production vary, and proper system sizing depends on understanding your specific co-op's program.
| Co-op | Territory |
|---|---|
| Pedernales Electric Co-op (PEC) | Gillespie, Blanco, Hays, Travis portions |
| Bandera Electric Co-op | Bandera, Kerr portions |
| Central Texas Electric Co-op | Llano, Mason, Kimble |
| GVEC (Guadalupe Valley) | Kendall, Comal portions |
PEC: Size to Match Usage
Pedernales Electric Co-op—Texas's largest co-op—no longer credits excess solar. Every kWh you use from your panels saves full retail, but overproduction has no value.
Strategy: Size your system to cover 80-90% of annual usage. We use your historical bills to optimize system size.
Other Co-ops: Better Export Options
Bandera Electric, GVEC, and some smaller co-ops still offer net billing or export credits. If you're on one of these, a slightly larger system may make sense.
We'll check: Tell us your co-op and we'll explain exactly how your solar will be credited.
Hill Country Soil: Rocky But Workable
The Texas Hill Country sits on the Edwards Plateau—limestone bedrock with thin soil cover. This terrain stops many contractors. It doesn't stop us.
Helical Piles: Built for Rock
Helical piles are steel anchors with helical plates that screw directly into rocky soil. No blasting. No heavy excavation. No waiting for concrete to cure.
Once installed, helical piles in limestone are actually more stable than concrete footings in softer soil. The rock isn't going anywhere.
Western Hill Country
Gillespie, Kerr, and Llano counties have exposed granite and limestone. Often just inches below surface.
100% helical pile territory
Central Hill Country
Blanco, Kendall, and eastern Gillespie have varying soil depth. Some areas have 2-3 feet of soil over rock.
Site assessment determines best approach
Eastern Hill Country
Hays County and the Dripping Springs area transition to deeper soils. More foundation options available.
May use concrete or helical
Preserving Hill Country Character
Hill Country homeowners value the scenic beauty of their properties. Solar installations should complement—not detract from—that character.
Thoughtful Placement
Ground mount arrays don't have to be visible from your house, road, or neighbors. We work with you to identify locations that get full sun while staying discretely positioned—behind tree lines, in natural clearings, or using terrain to block sightlines.
Low-Profile Options
Standard ground mounts sit 3-4 feet off the ground. In scenic-sensitive locations, we can use lower-profile configurations or position arrays in natural depressions. The goal is maximum production with minimal visual impact.
Native Landscaping
After installation, we can recommend native grasses and plants for the area around your array. This reduces maintenance and helps the system blend with Hill Country vegetation. Some owners graze sheep or goats around their panels for natural maintenance.
Permits & Timelines by County
Hill Country counties are generally rural and solar-friendly. Permitting is typically faster and simpler than in urban areas. Here's what to expect:
| County | Building | Electrical |
|---|---|---|
| Gillespie County | 1-2 weeks | 1 week |
| Kendall County | 1-2 weeks | 1 week |
| Blanco County | 1-2 weeks | 1 week |
| Kerr County | 1-2 weeks | 1 week |
| Burnet County | 1-3 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
Co-op Interconnection
Most co-ops process interconnection quickly—typically 1-3 weeks after permits. PEC, as the largest, has the most structured process. Smaller co-ops are often faster.
Total Timeline
From contract to power-on: typically 4-8 weeks in Hill Country—often faster than urban areas. Physical installation is 2-3 days.
Why Ground Mount Is Ideal for Hill Country
Abundant Land
Hill Country properties often measure in acres. You have room for appropriately-sized systems with space to expand later. No need to compromise on roof limitations.
Live Oak Coverage
The Hill Country's beautiful live oaks shade many roofs. Ground mount lets you find the sunny spots—often in pastures, clearings, or areas away from the house—while keeping the trees that make your property special.
Older Roofs, Historic Homes
Many Hill Country homes have metal roofs, older structures, or historic character worth preserving. Ground mount keeps solar off the house entirely—no penetrations, no aesthetic changes, no re-roofing concerns.
Energy Independence
Remote Hill Country properties are often at the end of long power lines, making them prone to outages. Ground mount with battery backup—or full off-grid—provides the energy security that rural living demands.
Off-Grid & Battery Backup Options
Grid-Tied with Battery
Stay connected to your co-op but have battery backup for outages. Powers essentials when the grid is down—critical during severe weather or when co-op maintenance takes lines offline.
- • Best for properties with reliable grid access
- • Lower battery capacity required
- • Offset co-op bills while having backup
Full Off-Grid
Complete independence from utility infrastructure. Ideal for remote properties where running power lines is expensive, or for those wanting true self-sufficiency.
- • No monthly electric bills ever
- • Requires larger battery bank
- • Excellent for ranches, remote cabins
Off-Grid Reality Check
Off-grid is more expensive than grid-tied due to battery costs. But for properties where utility connection costs $20,000+, off-grid solar often wins economically—and you get permanent independence.
Hill Country Solar FAQ
How does solar work with Pedernales Electric Co-op (PEC)?
PEC allows grid-tied solar but no longer offers traditional net metering with export credits. Your solar offsets what you would have purchased from PEC (saving ~11-13¢/kWh), but excess production sent to the grid isn't credited. This means sizing your system to match—not exceed—your usage is critical for best economics.
Can I install solar on rocky Hill Country soil?
Yes. The Edwards Plateau limestone is actually excellent for helical pile foundations. These steel anchors screw directly into rock, creating an extremely stable foundation without blasting or heavy excavation. We've installed hundreds of systems on Hill Country limestone.
Will solar panels look out of place on my Hill Country property?
Ground mount systems can be positioned discretely—behind tree lines, in natural clearings, or in areas not visible from the main house or road. Many Hill Country homeowners place arrays behind existing structures or use the terrain to hide them. We work with you on placement that respects the scenic character.
Is off-grid solar practical in the Hill Country?
Yes. Many remote Hill Country properties are excellent off-grid candidates. With 230+ sunny days and large lots, you can install sufficient solar and battery capacity for complete independence. This is especially attractive for properties far from utility lines where connection costs are high.
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 Hill Country?
Get a free site assessment for your Hill Country property. We specialize in rocky terrain and understand your co-op's solar program.
Check Your Property