Mixed (Pedernales Electric Cooperative / Oncor TDU) Service Area
Solar + Battery Storage in Hays County, TX
Get connected with licensed local solar installers across 3 cities in Hays County. Make your own power, store it in battery backup, and stay powered through grid outages and summer heat events. VoltSol matches you with vetted local installers who handle the rest.
County Snapshot — Hays County
Utility Rate
Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) / Oncor (TDU): Estimated $0.13/kWh residential rate. Hays County has mixed utility service. Much of the county is served by Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC), a member-owned electric co-op that sets its own rates and solar interconnection policies -- confirm current solar buyback terms with PEC directly. Other areas are in the deregulated ERCOT market served by Oncor (TDU), where residents choose their own Retail Electric Provider (REP). Illustrative residential rate range: $0.12-$0.15/kWh depending on utility and REP/plan choice.
Permit Office
City of San Marcos Building Inspection (City of San Marcos (other cities and unincorporated areas have separate processes)). Typical turnaround: 2-6 weeks, varies by jurisdiction. San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, and other incorporated areas in Hays County each have their own building departments. Permit timelines vary -- confirm with your local jurisdiction. Your installer manages the application.
Climate Zone
Hot-humid Central Texas / Hill Country: Hot summers with high cooling demand. Hays County sits at the edge of the Texas Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Winter Storm Uri (February 2021) caused multi-day statewide blackouts.
County Context
Hays County is the fast-growing corridor between Austin and San Antonio, centered on San Marcos, Kyle, and Buda. Much of the county is served by Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC), a member-owned electric co-op that sets its own rates and solar interconnection policies -- residents in PEC territory do not choose a REP. Other areas are served by Oncor as TDU in the deregulated ERCOT market. Winter Storm Uri underscored the importance of battery backup for grid resilience.
Tax credit, exemption, and incentive information is general and subject to change. Consult a licensed tax professional and your county appraisal district (or equivalent local authority) for guidance specific to your situation.
Why Solar + Battery Storage in Hays County?
Homeowners in Hays County are served by Mixed (Pedernales Electric Cooperative / Oncor TDU), which has seen significant residential rate increases in recent years. Residential solar + battery storage offers a way to lock in energy costs at installation prices and protect against future rate hikes.
A solar + battery system combines rooftop panels, battery storage, and inverters to power your home's biggest loads — heating, cooling, and major appliances — while maximizing the power you make and use yourself, plus backup power during grid outages. A licensed local installer sizes and installs the system.
Most of Texas is a deregulated ERCOT market, so solar export (buyback) rates depend on the Retail Electric Provider and plan you choose — they can vary widely. In Hays County, the reliable value is in storing and using your own power rather than depending on a favorable buyback rate. Ask your local installer about current interconnection and buyback options for your utility.