Thanks to a new TXU Energy and SolarCity partnership residents of Dallas, Texas will soon have the option to lease a photovoltaic solararray to offset high-energy cost. Similar programs are in place aroundthe world, but in Texas where sprawling suburbs are common and airconditioning in the summer means sky rocketing fuel costs the potentialsavings for consumers could be astronomical.

After tax incentives the average owner of a three to four bedroomhouse can expect to pay 35 dollars a month in energy costs. $35 is a far cry from the $26,000 it could cost to buy the same solar systemoutright.

As the owners of the solar arrays SolarCity will be responsible forall maintenance.

“Our vision is to supply solar power to millions ofhomes and businesses,” said Lyndon Rive, SolarCity’s chief executive. “The only way toachieve this is by partnering with companies that are providing powertoday. If we can partner with energy providers, adoption will happenmuch faster.”

Mr. Rive also believes that because of Texas’ abundant sunshine andhigh air-conditioning costs the state could become one of the largestsolar markets in the United States in the next five years.

Initially only 400 homes will be involved in the pilot program do to a rebate program offered by Oncor, a company operating some ofTexas’s utility infrastructure.

Other companies working on solar leasing programs currently include:Citizenre Corporation, CT Solar Lease, and freEner-g.

Article by Raegan Payne appearing courtesy Celsias

photo: reiner.kraft

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