Oncor (TDU) Service Area
Solar + Battery Storage in Smith County, TX
Get connected with licensed local solar installers across 2 cities in Smith 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 — Smith County
Utility Rate
Oncor (TDU): Estimated $0.14/kWh residential rate. Smith County is in the deregulated ERCOT market. Oncor delivers power as the wires-only Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU), but you choose your own Retail Electric Provider (REP) which sets your solar buyback rate. Solar export rates vary widely by REP and plan -- shop for a REP with a competitive solar buyback plan to maximize your savings. Illustrative residential rate range: $0.12-$0.16/kWh depending on REP and plan choice.
Permit Office
City of Tyler Building Inspection (City of Tyler (other cities and unincorporated areas have separate processes)). Typical turnaround: 2-6 weeks, varies by jurisdiction. Tyler, Whitehouse, and other incorporated areas in Smith County each have their own building departments. Permit timelines vary -- confirm with your local jurisdiction. Your installer manages the application.
Climate Zone
Hot-humid East Texas Piney Woods: Hot, humid summers with high cooling demand. Smith County sits in the East Texas Piney Woods, with more tree cover and cloud cover than open prairie counties, which can affect solar siting. Winter Storm Uri (February 2021) caused multi-day statewide blackouts.
County Context
Smith County is centered on Tyler, a regional hub in the East Texas Piney Woods known as the "Rose Capital of America." The hot, humid climate drives high summer cooling loads. Forested terrain means shading should be assessed for each roof. 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 Smith County?
Homeowners in Smith County are served by 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 Smith 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.