Mixed (Pedernales Electric Cooperative / Oncor TDU) Service Area · Hays County
Home Solar + Battery Storage in San Marcos, TX
Make your own power, store it in battery backup, and keep your home running through grid outages and Texas summer heat. San Marcos is served by Mixed (Pedernales Electric Cooperative / Oncor TDU) — homes here pay an estimated $175/mo today. VoltSol connects you with a licensed local installer who handles your quote, contract, and installation.
* Electricity bill figures are regional estimates only, not guarantees.
Home Solar + Battery Storage in San Marcos — Local Estimates
These are illustrative regional estimates — not guarantees. Your actual savings depend on usage, roof orientation, shading, system size, and future utility rate changes.
- Avg monthly bill*
- $175
- Typical system size*
- 8 kW
- Peak sun hrs/day*
- 5.4
Why Solar + Battery Storage in San Marcos?
- ●High sun exposure: San Marcos averages an estimated 5.4 peak sun hours per day — strong solar production potential year-round.
- ●High local utility rates: Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) / Oncor (TDU) customers in San Marcos pay an estimated $0.13/kWh, making solar self-consumption economics strong. 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.
- ●Deregulated market choice: across most of Texas you pick your Retail Electric Provider, and solar buyback rates vary widely by plan — so the reliable value is in storing and using your own power. Ask your local installer about current federal and state incentives; consult a tax professional for your situation.
- ●Home value: Studies suggest homes with owned solar systems sell for more than comparable homes without — though results vary by market.
When the grid goes down, your lights stay on
Winter Storm Uri and hurricane-season outages have left San Marcos-area homes without power for hours — sometimes days. A solar + battery system keeps your fridge, lights, and Wi-Fi running while the grid is down. No generator, no fuel runs, no scramble.
Local Details for San Marcos
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.
Frequently Asked Questions — San Marcos
Do I need a permit for solar in San Marcos?
Yes. City of San Marcos Building Inspection handles solar permits. Typical turnaround is 2-6 weeks, varies by jurisdiction. Your installer manages the application and submits paperwork on your behalf.
Is solar + battery storage worth it in San Marcos?
Solar can be a strong option in San Marcos depending on your usage and roof. Battery backup adds resilience during grid events like Winter Storm Uri (February 2021). A site-specific assessment from your installer will confirm expected savings for your home.
How much sun does San Marcos get for solar?
San Marcos averages an estimated 5.4 peak sun hours per day. Actual production depends on roof orientation, shading, and system size -- your installer can provide a site-specific estimate.
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.
How It Works
- 1Submit your info: Fill out the quick form — takes under 2 minutes.
- 2Get matched: We share your request with one licensed solar contractor serving San Marcos.
- 3Free consultation: Your contractor contacts you to assess your home and provide a no-obligation quote.
- 4Go solar: If the numbers work, move forward on your timeline — no pressure.