Dan Heckathorn
Is Solar Ownership Dead in 2026?
Is solar ownership really dead in 2026? Short answer: no—but the game just changed, and third-party owned (TPO) systems now have a big leg up. With the One Big Beautiful Bill (“BBB”) signed in 2025, the 30% federal residential solar tax credit (25D) for homeowners ends after December 31, 2025, while tax credits for third-party […]
How to Account for a Future EV When Going Solar
Introduction: Planning Ahead Pays Off With the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), many homeowners are future-proofing their energy needs by factoring in EV charging when going solar. But how much additional solar do you really need for an EV? And how can you prepare your system today to avoid costly upgrades later? In this […]
Do Solar Panels Need to Breathe? Debunking a Common Myth
Wondering if solar panels need space underneath to “breathe”? Learn the truth about solar panel ventilation, airflow, heat dissipation, and mounting considerations in Texas climates. If you’ve ever browsed forums, talked to a contractor, or overheard a neighbor’s solar install experience, you may have heard someone ask:“Don’t solar panels need to breathe?” It’s a surprisingly […]
Do Solar Panels Work on Flat Roofs? (Pros, Cons, and Installation Tips)
If you’ve been told your flat roof can’t go solar, think again. With the right mounting system and installer, flat-roof solar systems can perform just as well as pitched roof systems — sometimes even better. Contact Eagle Mountain Solar today for a personalized proposal. Can You Install Solar on a Flat Roof? Yes — solar […]
Do Solar Panels Degrade Over Time? What You Need to Know
Wondering how long solar panels last and whether their performance declines with age? You’re not alone. Solar panel degradation is a common concern among homeowners considering solar — and it’s a key factor in understanding long-term savings. In this post, we’ll explore what degradation means, how much production you lose over time, and how to […]
Should You Choose a Solar Carport or Patio Over Rooftop Panels?
Thinking about going solar, but not sure rooftop panels are the best fit? Solar carports and patio structures are an increasingly popular alternative — especially for homeowners who want shade, aesthetics, or want to avoid attaching panels to their roof. In this post, we’ll break down how solar structures like carports and covered patios work, […]
Do I Need to Upgrade My Electrical Panel for Solar?
What Is an Electrical Panel and Why It Matters for Solar Your home’s electrical panel (also known as a breaker box or service panel) is the central hub that distributes electricity from the utility or your solar system to every circuit in the house. It controls your home’s electrical load and plays a key role […]
What Are Rapid Shutdown Requirements for Solar in Texas?
Thinking about going solar in Texas? Schedule a free consult with Eagle Mountain Solar to ensure your system meets all safety codes and saves you money. What Is Rapid Shutdown in Solar Systems? Rapid shutdown is a safety requirement that allows first responders—like firefighters—to quickly de-energize a solar system in the event of an emergency, […]
What Is Solar Curtailment and Can It Affect Your Home System?
What Is Solar Curtailment? Solar curtailment happens when a solar energy system—whether utility-scale or residential—is forced to reduce its output even though it could generate more electricity. In grid-connected systems, this typically occurs because the grid cannot accept any more solar power at a given time. While curtailment is most often associated with large-scale utility […]
What Is a Solar Panel? (And How Do They Actually Work?)
What Is a Solar Panel? Solar panels are the core technology behind modern residential solar systems — but what exactly are they made of, and how do they convert sunlight into electricity for your home? Let’s break down how solar panels work from the inside out, and what makes them so effective in lowering electric […]
What Is a Solar Inverter? (And Why Sizing It Right Matters)
Thinking about going solar? Book a free consultation with Eagle Mountain Solar to find out if solar is a good fit for your home and budget — including a properly sized inverter. When most people think about solar, they picture the panels on the roof. But behind the scenes, the inverter is one of the […]
Do You Still Get a Power Bill With Solar in Texas?
Wondering if you’ll still get an electric bill after going solar in Texas? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we hear at Eagle Mountain Solar—and the answer depends on how your system is designed, how you consume energy, and what kind of electricity plan you’re on. Start with a free […]