Houston
Ground Mount Solar in Greater Houston
Serving Katy, Cypress, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, and Houston suburbs with hurricane-resilient ground mount solar.
Houston Solar at a Glance
Sunny days/year
Peak sun daily
Wind load rating
Federal tax credit
Our Houston Area Service Area
We serve Houston's western and northern suburbs where larger lots make ground mount practical. These expanding communities have the land that's ideal for ground mount solar.
Fort Bend County
Katy, Sugar Land, Richmond, Fulshear, Rosenberg
Harris County (west/north)
Cypress, Tomball, Spring, Jersey Village
Montgomery County
The Woodlands, Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, Willis
Waller County
Waller, Hempstead, Brookshire, Hockley
Brazoria County
Pearland, Alvin, Manvel, Iowa Colony
Liberty County
Liberty, Dayton, Cleveland
Notable for large lots: Fulshear, Waller County, and northern Montgomery County are seeing rapid growth with many 1-5+ acre properties. The Katy/Brookshire corridor has excellent solar potential.
Solar Buyback in CenterPoint Territory
How It Works in Greater Houston
Greater Houston is in the deregulated ERCOT market. CenterPoint delivers electricity, but you choose your Retail Electric Provider (REP). For solar, this means shopping for a REP with a good buyback plan—they pay you for excess electricity you send to the grid.
CenterPoint has smart meters that automatically track your export. That data goes to your REP for billing credits.
Solar Buyback Options
REPs with solar buyback plans in CenterPoint territory:
- Gexa Energy: Up to 15.4¢/kWh, 1:1 credit for excess
- Shell Energy: ~7¢/kWh for excess generation
- Green Mountain: Renewable plans with buyback
- Chariot Energy: 100% solar-backed plans
Rates and terms change. We help you understand current options during consultation.
CenterPoint Solar Rebates
Houston-area customers can access:
- • $135/kW installed (up to $3,000 max)
- • First-come, first-served basis
- • Funds typically available early in year
- • Plus 30% federal tax credit on full cost
These rebates run out. We track availability and help you apply quickly.
Hurricane-Resilient Solar
Why Ground Mount is Actually Better for Storm Resilience
After Harvey, Ike, and regular hurricane seasons, Houston homeowners know weather resilience matters. Ground mount solar has advantages over rooftop when it comes to storms.
Wind Engineering
Our systems are engineered for 130+ mph wind loads in coastal areas. Steel racking is anchored deep with helical piles or concrete piers. Panels are rated for hail impact. The system is designed to withstand what Texas throws at it.
Independent from Roof
If a storm damages your roof, rooftop solar goes down with it. Ground mount is separate—your solar can keep producing even if your roof needs repair. You don't face the $10K+ cost of removing and reinstalling panels.
Flood Considerations
Ground mount systems are elevated 3-6+ feet off the ground. While not flood-proof, they're above typical yard flooding levels. The inverter and electrical connections can be located at the house at proper height.
Battery Backup Option
Houston grid outages after storms can last days or weeks. Solar with battery backup keeps your essentials running when the grid is down. Many Houston homeowners add batteries specifically for storm resilience.
Dealing with Houston Clay Soil
Houston Black clay is the state soil of Texas—and it's notoriously challenging. This Vertisol soil swells significantly when wet and cracks when dry, with clay content of 46-60%. It causes more foundation problems than any other soil type in Texas.
The Challenge
Standard foundations shift as clay soil swells and shrinks seasonally. The "active zone" where moisture changes occur can extend 6-10 feet deep. This movement cracks concrete and shifts structures built on it.
Our Solution
We use helical piles driven deep below the active zone, anchoring into stable soil. Combined with proper drainage around the array, this provides a stable foundation that won't shift with seasonal moisture changes.
Not all Houston soil is the same. Northern areas near the Piney Woods have more sandy soil. Western areas toward Katy can have mixed conditions. We assess your specific site and design the foundation accordingly.
Permits & Timelines by County
Houston-area permitting varies by jurisdiction. Harris County is large; incorporated cities handle their own permits. Here's what to expect:
| County | Building | Electrical |
|---|---|---|
| Harris County | 2-4 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Fort Bend County | 2-3 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Montgomery County | 2-3 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Waller County | 1-2 weeks | 1 week |
CenterPoint Interconnection
CenterPoint interconnection takes 3-5 weeks after inspection passes. They reprogram your existing smart meter to track export and issue permission to operate. We handle all paperwork.
Total Timeline
From contract to power-on: typically 8-12 weeks in Houston due to utility timelines. Physical installation is 2-3 days—most time is permits and CenterPoint coordination.
Why Ground Mount Makes Sense in Houston
Grid Reliability Concerns
After Harvey, Uri, and regular summer storms, Houston homeowners understand grid vulnerability. Ground mount solar with battery backup provides energy independence when the grid fails—and it fails more often than it should.
High Electricity Usage
Houston's hot, humid climate means serious AC bills. Larger suburban homes often use 15,000-25,000+ kWh annually. Solar can significantly offset this usage, and ground mount's optimal positioning maximizes production.
Expanding Suburbs with Land
Katy, Fulshear, Cypress, and Montgomery County continue expanding. New developments often have 0.5-5+ acre lots. Ground mount doesn't depend on roof configuration—it works perfectly for new construction or existing homes.
Long-Term Investment
Many Houston families plan to stay long-term. Solar is a 25+ year investment that makes sense when you're not moving. Ground mount adds value to property and provides decades of savings.
Houston Solar FAQ
How does solar work in the CenterPoint service area?
CenterPoint is a delivery company—they don't sell electricity. You choose a Retail Electric Provider (REP) with a solar buyback plan. Gexa Energy offers up to 15.4¢/kWh buyback. Shell Energy and others offer 7-10¢/kWh. CenterPoint's smart meters track what you export to the grid.
Can ground mount solar survive Houston hurricanes?
Yes, when properly engineered. Ground mount systems are designed for local wind loads (130+ mph in coastal areas). Unlike rooftop systems, they don't depend on roof integrity—if your roof is damaged, your solar keeps working. And ground mount can be positioned above typical flood levels.
What about Houston's clay soil?
Houston Black clay (Vertisols) is some of the most expansive in Texas—it swells when wet and cracks when dry. We use foundation systems designed for this movement: helical piles that anchor deep below the active zone, or engineered concrete piers with proper drainage.
How long does CenterPoint interconnection take?
CenterPoint solar interconnection typically takes 3-5 weeks after your system passes inspection. They'll reprogram your existing smart meter to track export and grant permission to operate. Some homeowners have experienced delays—we stay on top of the paperwork.
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 Houston?
Get a free site assessment for your Houston suburban property. We'll evaluate your soil, discuss storm resilience, and explain your buyback options.
Check Your Property