Texas Home Power Security: Private Grids, Solar & Backup Power Rising After Blackouts

Texas homeowners know all too well how extreme weather can upend their power supply. In February 2021’s winter storm, about 2.7 million Texas households lost electricity (often for days on end). Subsequent summers of heat and storms have also threatened the grid – for example, one report notes that 3.5 million Texans lost power during a recent heat event. Such crises — which at times have left families stranded without heat or refrigeration — have made energy security a priority. In response, many Texas residents are adding their own private electrical grids (also called home microgrids or backup systems) to keep the lights on. These private setups let a home generate and store its own power (with solar panels, batteries, or generators) so it can operate even if the public grid fails.

Homeowners and businesses across Texas—from urban apartments to rural ranches—are now exploring these options. As one Texas electrician put it, the “Big Freeze” of 2021 “took everybody by surprise,” shutting off power to over 4.5 million Texas homes and businesses and resulting in hundreds of fatalities and multi-billion-dollar damages. In the storm’s aftermath demand for home backup systems “suddenly rose” in communities like San Antonio. The result: companies that design residential microgrids and batteries report booming orders. For instance, a recent NBC News report found one installer had seen a “tenfold increase in residential demand” for whole-home microgrid systems in just six months. Texas families who once weathered outages with candles, coolers, and space heaters are now investing tens of thousands of dollars in their own backup power equipment.

Even utilities and policymakers have taken notice. The Texas Legislature recently passed bills to make it easier to add home energy systems. For example, Senate Bill 1202 aims to streamline permitting for home backup generation and solar installations, explicitly citing the need to “fortify Texas homes” against disasters like Winter Storm Uri (which “left 2.7 million households in the dark”). Lawmakers also allocated billions for a state “Backup Power Package” – a program offering incentives for businesses (and critical facilities) to install solar, batteries, or generators. These efforts reflect a growing view that distributed, home-based power systems are a key part of Texas’s energy resilience strategy.

In this article we explain what private home power systems are, why Texans are buying them, how they work, and what homeowners need to know – from costs and safety to local examples. (We’ll speak as licensed electricians advising fellow Texas residents, but stay neutral and factual in tone.)

What Are Home Microgrids, Generators, and Solar+Storage?

A private electrical grid for a home can take several forms. At its core, it means having on-site generation and storage so the house can run independently of the public utility during an outage. Three common types are:

• Backup Generators. The most familiar solution: a stationary or portable gasoline/propane/natural gas generator. A standby generator (like a Generac) sits idle until utility power fails. When an outage occurs, it automatically starts and powers the house through an electrical transfer switch. This kind of system typically provides whole-house power (or at least critical circuits) for as long as it has fuel. Generators are mechanical and produce carbon emissions, but they are proven technology. (Portable generators are cheaper but must be manually connected and cannot power an entire home safely without a transfer switch.)

• Solar-Plus-Storage Systems. Another approach is rooftop solar panels paired with large batteries. These systems generate electricity from the sun and store it in home batteries (e.g. Tesla Powerwalls, LG Chem, etc.). In normal conditions the panels reduce your electric bills, and the batteries accumulate charge. When the grid goes down, the battery automatically takes over, powering the house until it runs out of stored energy (or until the sun comes up to recharge it). Modern inverters handle the transition seamlessly. Solar+storage systems are quiet and emission-free at the point of use. With a big enough battery bank, they can keep essential appliances running through the night or multi-day outage (especially if paired with enough solar to recharge them). Note that pure solar+storage systems rely on the sun to refill the batteries – in extended storms they would eventually exhaust capacity unless supplemented by the grid or a generator.

• Residential Microgrids. This term can mean the above systems plus any additional power sources, managed intelligently. A home microgrid typically combines generation (solar panels, maybe a small wind turbine, or even a natural-gas fuel cell) with storage batteries and a control system. Unlike a standby generator alone, a microgrid “is running 24/7”, so it can supply power continuously and react instantly to outages. It often operates in parallel with the grid (exporting excess power) when the grid is on, and then “islands” itself when the grid fails. For example, it may feed the house from solar during the day and recharge batteries, and then at night use stored power. If properly sized, a microgrid can power most home systems – lights, appliances, HVAC, well pump, etc. – during an outage.

  In short, think of a home microgrid as an independent mini-utility for your house. As one industry guide explains, “a microgrid is essentially an independent power grid for your home”. It acts as its own local network of power sources and loads, separate from the main grid. At least one electrician’s group notes the key difference from a generator: a backup generator “can be sitting there idling for many years until something happens,” whereas a microgrid’s generators and batteries are “running 24/7,” providing power in tandem with the grid. In practice, any safe home backup system will use a special transfer switch or interlock so that when it kicks in, it completely disconnects the house from the utility lines. This prevents dangerous backfeeding into the grid.

In popular usage, “private grid” or “home microgrid” often overlaps with these terms. For example, a solar-plus-battery system by itself is effectively a simple microgrid: it produces and stores power locally. Some companies even call their solar+battery product a residential microgrid kit. Others reserve “microgrid” for multi-home setups or systems that include generators. But for most Texas homeowners, a “private grid” simply means any reliable backup power arrangement they own.

Growing Demand and Why Texans Are Turning On-Site

Interest in home backup power is soaring across Texas. The idea of never losing power appeals to many homeowners after the trauma of big outages. One Texas microgrid installer told NBC News that residential orders have jumped about tenfold in just six months. Residential energy companies report that even average customers are now asking about microgrids, not just luxury estates. As CleanSpark CEO Zach Bradford observes, recent crises in California and Texas have put “everybody is now starting to hear the term ‘microgrid’ and recognize the importance of having some control over your energy… not just if you’re a military base, but if you’re a homeowner”.

Several factors drive this trend:

• Recent Outages. The February 2021 storm was a wake-up call. Texas grid operator ERCOT struggled to meet demand at low temperatures, cutting power to millions. (Some areas saw nearly 2.7 million simultaneous outages, and ultimately more than 4 million homes/businesses went dark.) Summer heatwaves and tropical storms have also nudged the grid to its limits – for example, Hurricane Beryl (2024) left 2.2 million Houston-area customers without power, and many Texans waited days to be restored. Such events illustrate that outages can happen in winter or summer, and can be prolonged. Homeowners don’t want to go through it again, so they are installing backups.

• Increased Awareness. Media stories and social networks have raised awareness of alternatives. After the 2021 freeze, stories of families camping in the cold or losing perishable medicine or baby formula circulated widely. Now people hear anecdotes like, “We’d have never known the grid was down – our microgrid kept running,” which spurs neighbors to ask, “How do I get one?”

• Technological Maturation. Solar panels and batteries have become much cheaper and more reliable than a decade ago. High-quality grid-tied inverters and battery systems (with UL safety certifications and warranties) are widely available. Smart energy management systems can optimize solar charging and loads. In short, the technology gap has closed so that residential microgrids are practical, not just for big buildings but even for single-family homes.

• Cost Considerations. Electricity prices in Texas are deregulated and can spike in extreme weather. A home solar-battery system can hedge against those spikes: unused solar can charge batteries instead of being wasted or sold at low “buyback” rates. As CleanSpark’s CEO points out, aside from resiliency these systems can “save people money on their monthly power bill” by using stored power during peak-rate periods. In some cases, customers finance a microgrid to lock in lower energy costs. (Of course, recovering the high upfront cost takes many years, but for some the reliability is worth it even without pure ROI.)

• Social and Policy Support. Texas’s ethos of self-reliance resonates with home grids. Some local utility programs now encourage customer-sited storage: for instance, AEP Texas and Oncor have experimental programs to aggregate home batteries as virtual power plants. The federal government’s IRA also made solar-plus-storage 30% tax-credit eligible, helping justify the investment. Legislators in 2023 and 2024 have eased permitting for home systems. Taken together, the environment now favors homeowners who invest in their own energy security.

In short, a growing number of Texans feel it makes sense to control at least part of their electricity supply. As one analysis noted, Texas microgrid installations have “grown exponentially” in recent years. The Dallas Fed reports the state went from only about 20 residential/commercial microgrids in 2016 to roughly 300 by 2023. After disasters like Hurricane Harvey (2017) and the 2021 freeze, major companies also got involved: Texas supermarket chain H‑E‑B and travel plaza chain Buc-ee’s each installed microgrids to keep stores operating during grid outages. (If grocery stores and convenience stops can do it to protect critical operations, many homeowners wonder, why not themselves?)

How Private Home Grids Work (in Practice)

Understanding the mechanics helps homeowners make choices. While designs vary, most systems have these core components:

• Generation: Typically rooftop solar panels today, or (less commonly for homes) a small wind turbine or hydrogen fuel cell. In many microgrids there is also a backup generator (diesel or natural-gas powered) that can charge the batteries or directly run the loads if solar is insufficient. Some setups rely solely on solar (with battery and maybe a portable gas generator on standby).

• Energy Storage: A bank of batteries (lithium-ion is common) stores excess power. The battery size (in kWh) determines how long the home can run without sunlight or grid power. For example, an 11.4 kWh battery costs on the order of $9,000 after tax credits and can run a few critical circuits for several hours. Larger banks (say 20–30 kWh) can keep a typical home’s essentials powered through the night or a cloudy day.

• Inverters/Controllers: These electronics manage the power flows. A hybrid inverter ensures that solar panels feed either the house or the battery, and automatically switches to the battery when utility power is lost. If a generator is present, it starts when batteries drop to a set level. Control software can optimize charging (use solar first) and decide when to send excess back to the grid if allowed.

• Transfer Switch/Isolation: Safety is crucial. Any home backup must include an automatic transfer switch or interlock. This device disconnects the house from the utility grid the moment a backup system begins supplying power. That way, a grid technician working on lines can’t be “back-fed” by power from a private generator. In practice, installing the transfer switch often requires the utility to physically pull the home’s meter and install the new gear.

When the grid is up, these systems may operate in one of two ways. A simple solar+battery will push excess solar into the grid (depending on the utility’s buyback plan) and charge the battery. A more integrated microgrid might even supply local customers or feed into wholesale markets if it is large enough (some plans call this a virtual power plant function). When the grid fails, the system “islands”: it automatically switches the home to battery (and generator if needed) and keeps power flowing. Ideally, this happens with little interruption – in many setups there is only a brief flicker as the system reconfigures.

For example, in a solar-battery microgrid, as soon as the utility power drops the inverter disconnects and the batteries take over in milliseconds. If panels are producing in daylight, that energy continues to go to the home or to recharge the batteries. If not, the house runs solely on stored energy. If batteries run low at night, the system can start the generator to top up the batteries or directly supply power (depending on the design). All of this is managed automatically by the controls, which communicate with the utility meter and the panel.

Crucially, though the system is “private,” it must still meet grid interconnection standards. In Texas, any system larger than 1 MW must register with ERCOT, but typical home systems (a few kW) just need local utility permission. One microgrid engineer notes that utilities should be involved: regulators must update interconnection rules so homeowners can safely sync their systems with the grid when not in island mode. In practice, homeowners work through licensed installers to comply with IEEE 1547 and NEC (National Electrical Code) standards for smart inverters and switching.

Typical Configurations and Costs

System types. The exact setup varies by needs and budget. A few common scenarios in Texas:

• Whole-house Generator + Minimal Battery: Some homeowners stick with a traditional standby generator (gas or propane). These run your furnace, refrigerator, and most circuits for days if fueled. You might add a small battery (like 3–5 kWh) to handle switching or to power electronics during the brief auto-start of the gen-set. This is the least solar-dependent route.

• Solar + Battery Only (No Generator): Others prefer “clean” backup. They install a big solar array (say 10–20 kW on the roof) plus a battery bank (15–20+ kWh). In normal times they use solar and grid interchangeably. During an outage, the batteries run everything until depleted; if the outage extends, daytime sun can recharge them and stretch the supply. Without a generator, this is limited by weather and daylight – but it is emission-free at home.

• Hybrid (Solar + Battery + Generator): Many choose a bit of both. For example, a home might have 10 kW solar, two large batteries, and a 22 kW diesel generator. On a sunny outage day, the solar and batteries keep the home powered. At night or during multi-day storms, the generator can refill the batteries. This maximizes reliability (at the cost of complexity and fuel).

• Community Microgrid: A newer model is neighborhood-level microgrids, where a developer or co-op installs a shared battery or generation cluster to serve several homes. For instance, some recent projects (though mostly in California) have wired new communities with a communal energy system. In Texas, this idea is nascent, but not impossible – one Bloomberg report mentioned a 40-acre community in California running on a local microgrid. Such setups can spread cost and provide shared resiliency.

Where these are installed. We see installations in all parts of Texas now. In cities like Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth, there is a growing movement among homeowners and even new home developments. For example, homebuilder Lennar is equipping select Austin and DFW communities with complimentary backup batteries (via a partnership with Base Power) so owners have outage protection and bill savings. In Houston, resilient businesses (like H‑E‑B and some data centers) have had microgrids for years, and now some residential customers are joining in – especially after Hurricane Beryl demonstrated the value of batteries. In San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country, many homes already relied on propane generators; now those same contractors are installing solar-battery combos or hybrid systems. Even in smaller towns and rural areas, farms and ranches (which often have wind turbines or diesel generators) are adding batteries to create mini-microgrids.

Ballpark costs. These systems are pricey. A turnkey whole-home microgrid (solar array + battery bank + controls) can easily run into the high tens of thousands. One industry article notes that “a turnkey solar-powered microgrid system… can cost up to $45,000 depending on the size of the home”. By contrast, a standalone home battery (around 10–12 kWh) might cost roughly $8,000–$10,000 after the federal tax credit. A typical 20–25 kW whole-house standby generator (with installation and transfer switch) might be in the $10K–$20K range, depending on fuel and site work. (Portable generators of 7–10 kW are much cheaper at a few thousand dollars, but they require manual hookup.)

Federal and state incentives can help offset cost. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Texans can claim a 30% tax credit on new home solar and battery installations through 2032. Importantly, even standalone batteries (≥3 kWh) qualify for the credit. That means if you buy $20,000 of battery+inverter equipment, you can deduct $6,000 from your federal taxes. Some local utility programs (like the new CPS Energy Battery Incentive in San Antonio) may offer additional rebates or demand-response payments for grid services. However, there is no statewide cash rebate for residential microgrids in Texas currently; the emphasis has been on loan and tax incentives.

Technology and brands. Homeowners have many options. On the storage side, popular products include Tesla Powerwall, LG Chem RESU, Sonnen, and others. Inverters (which convert between DC battery power and AC house power) often come from SolarEdge, Schneider, OutBack, or Victron. For generators, brands like Generac, Kohler, or Cummins are common. And for complete microgrid packages (battery plus controls), companies like Enchanted Rock, CleanSpark, and Bloom Energy market systems to residential customers or small communities. As one Bloom Energy executive noted, their company now runs about 100 “residential neighborhood” microgrids nationwide, showing the concept is expanding beyond just individual homes.

When planning a system, consider your home’s layout and needs. Rooftop area limits solar size; garage or backyard space affects where to put a generator or batteries. If running an electric well or large air conditioner, you’ll need a bigger system. Licensed installers will do a load calculation – totaling wattage of the appliances you want to run (especially HVAC, refrigerator, pumps, etc.) – to size the generator or battery bank appropriately. In practice, installations range from simple (just a small generator to power the essentials) to whole-home autonomous grids.

Safety, Permits, and Working with Professionals

Installing a private power system involves serious electrical work. Texas law explicitly requires compliance with all electrical codes and manufacturer specs for standby generators (and by extension, any on-site power system). In practical terms, this means you absolutely should use a licensed electrician. Even though Texas does not legally ban DIY generator installs, an experienced contractor is needed. They will obtain the required city/county permits, design the transfer-switch setup, and notify the utility. In fact, adding a backup generator or battery almost always triggers an inspection and meter work. As one San Antonio electrical firm explains: “You will need a permit from the City… and to notify your electric utility. To install the proper transfer switch, you will need to have the power company pull the electric meter to disconnect from the system”. This disconnection ensures the house can be safely isolated during an outage. Once the work is done, the job must be inspected and the meter resealed before power is reconnected.

Why the bureaucracy? Home backup power can be dangerous if miswired. Improper wiring can feed the grid with reverse current, shock utility workers, or cause fires. Fuel hookups (for gas generators) must meet safety codes and be pressure-tested. Batteries pose electrical and fire risks if not installed with the right disconnects and ventilation. The National Electrical Code (NEC) and Texas Administrative Code lay out specific requirements for standby power systems. For example, a standby generator installation is governed by Texas Property Code Section 202.019, which emphasizes health and safety compliance.

Beyond code compliance, a professional electrician ensures the system is correctly sized and balanced. They will calculate how much load you need during an outage and choose equipment accordingly. They’ll wire the system so that essential and critical circuits (well pump, refrigerator, HVAC, etc.) are on the backup panel. They will mount batteries or fuel tanks safely and label all switches. Most homeowners do not have the tools or training for this. As one contractor bluntly states, “most homeowners do not have the knowledge and equipment necessary to do this themselves”.

Safety best practices: Even with a professional install, homeowners should observe precautions. Always run generators outdoors (CO danger) and perform regular maintenance (run generators monthly, change oil, test batteries annually). Keep fuel stores safe: propane or diesel tanks should be code-approved and secured. If using lithium batteries, follow manufacturer guidelines (e.g. fire-rated enclosures if needed). An electrician will install proper fuses, breakers, and signage to prevent accidents. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet (“suicide cord”) – that practice is outlawed and extremely dangerous. A certified electrician will use a legal transfer switch.

In summary, do not attempt to wire a home backup system yourself. The complexity and risks are high. Hire a licensed contractor with experience in generators and solar systems. Check references and insurance. Make sure they pull all required permits, provide design documents (load calculations, single-line diagrams), and arrange for final inspections. In Texas, as one electrical blog notes, the process “starts with doing load calculations and examining your service panel to determine the size of your generator” – tasks that demand professional care.

Benefits and Challenges of Going “Off-Grid”

Like any major home project, private power systems have pros and cons.

• Benefits (Resilience & Savings): The most obvious benefit is reliability. With a well-designed microgrid or generator, your home can remain lit, heated/cooled, and powered even while neighbors go dark. This means food doesn’t spoil, pipes don’t freeze, and medical equipment (like oxygen or CPAP machines) can keep running during an outage. In fact, during the Houston Hurricane Beryl blackout, homes equipped with microgrids “kept lights on, air conditioners whirring and avoided food spoilage” while waiting days for utility restoration. Community stores serving on-site generation (like H‑E‑B grocery stores) continued operating to feed people.

  Another benefit is potential cost savings and energy independence. By using solar panels and batteries, you can reduce your electricity purchases and potentially take advantage of lower-cost night-time rates or ride through expensive peak charges. CleanSpark’s CEO emphasizes that microgrids can “help save people money on their monthly power bill” in addition to providing backup power. Some homeowners also see an environmental upside – during outages, running on solar and battery produces no emissions at home, unlike a diesel generator.

  There can even be a community benefit. Large arrays of home batteries can be networked as a virtual power plant (VPP). For example, Texas regulators are exploring programs where homeowners are paid to discharge their batteries into the grid during peak demand. In theory, if many homes participate, the distributed storage helps stabilize the grid. (Bloom Energy and others note that neighborhood microgrids “provide additional help as virtual power plants serving the grid”.) So, in the long run, private grids could complement the statewide grid by shaving peaks and adding rapid-response backup.

• Challenges (Cost, Complexity, Fuel): On the flip side, these systems involve significant upfront cost. Few homeowners can afford a $30–50k system on a whim. Even after incentives, payback may take a decade or more (if ever, depending on energy prices). The complexity adds maintenance: gasoline generators must be refueled and tested regularly, batteries have limited lifespans (10–15 years typical), and moving parts can fail. Solar+Batteries are sensitive to weather – a week of storms could drain batteries quickly unless supplemented by a generator.

  Another concern is safety and liability. If a homeowner does it improperly (or hires an incompetent installer), backfeeding can endanger utility workers, or a badly ventilated generator can produce fatal carbon monoxide in the house. A recalled lithium battery (e.g. one brand in 2021) can catch fire if not contained, as seen in some high-profile incidents. There are also regulatory limits: Texas does not offer true net metering, so excess solar sold back to the grid usually gets only wholesale credit. Home systems generally cannot export unlimited power without special agreements.

  Finally, a broad societal issue is the impact on the electric grid. If many large homes go off-grid, utilities have fewer sales but still must maintain infrastructure for remaining customers, possibly raising costs. Moreover, if backup systems fail during an outage, homeowners could end up drawing power at dangerous levels (like starting too many appliances on a small generator). Careful design and realistic expectations are key. In a word, private grids greatly increase personal power security, but they come with costs and responsibilities that every homeowner should weigh.

Energy Policy and Resilience in Texas

Private home grids intersect with broader energy policy. Texas, long independent of the national grid (ERCOT covers most of the state), has faced political debate over grid investment. After 2021, the state passed laws (SB3 in 2021, SB6 in 2023, etc.) aimed at winterizing power plants and incentivizing backup generation. Most of those measures target large power users (factories, data centers) or power plants, but some address smaller customers.

For instance, 2023’s Senate Bill 6 included about $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund. Of the new money, $1.8 billion goes to the Texas Backup Power Package Program, which explicitly offers grants to encourage solar and storage installations at critical community facilities (like hospitals, water plants, nursing homes). This shows Texas is willing to spend on distributed power resilience for key infrastructure. On the consumer side, state officials are studying how to integrate more home batteries into grid operations, and some utilities are piloting incentive programs for customers who install batteries and agree to share them with the grid during emergencies.

At the federal level, Texas homeowners benefit from the Residential Clean Energy Credit: a 30% tax credit on solar panels, solar water heaters, wind turbines, and battery storage installed through 2032. Notably, batteries (3 kWh and up) qualify even if not paired with solar. This was a major change: homeowners can now get a tax break on standalone batteries. So a Texas homeowner who, say, spends $30,000 on a solar+battery system could get about $9,000 back in tax credits. Some local governments and co-ops also offer rebates or expedited permitting to encourage backup generation.

What does this mean for the long term? Analysts suggest that decentralized generation will continue to grow in Texas. Demand is expected to increase by roughly 50% over the next decade, and severe weather shows no sign of letting up. By empowering homeowners (through tax credits and lower red tape) to install their own resources, Texas is effectively treating some disaster resilience as a personal responsibility. This could reduce strain on the grid during emergencies. However, experts caution that coordination is needed: too many unscheduled customer outages could make grid management harder. Fortunately, modern microgrids and smart inverters can communicate with utilities, easing this integration. Overall, Texas policy is tilting toward a future where personal solar, storage, and microgrids play a big role in the state’s energy mix.

Examples from Texas Cities and Towns

Texas is vast, and the backup power landscape varies by region:

• Houston area: After Hurricane Beryl (July 2024) knocked out power to 2.2 million H‑Texas customers, those with microgrids fared far better. Microgrid technologies (some installed by companies like Enchanted Rock and Sunrun) “went to work…providing hundreds of megawatts of power to customers while the main grid was down”. Grocery stores that had their own generation stayed open as makeshift relief centers. Sunrun reported that residential customers on their solar+storage programs “kept lights on, air conditioners whirring and avoided food spoilage” even as many neighbors waited days for grid service. This gave local visibility to the microgrid concept. Meanwhile, Houston’s major employers and infrastructure planners are encouraging employees to install solar/batteries at home, knowing that last-mile resilience supports business continuity.

• Dallas–Fort Worth / North Texas: The DFW region is booming with new housing, and some developers see backup power as a selling point. The earlier-mentioned Lennar project will outfit select Arlington/Jarrell (Austin-Dallas corridor) homes with free backup batteries. Many higher-end homes in Dallas and its suburbs already had generators; now a growing share adds solar. Local utilities (like Oncor and OnGrid) have signaled interest in incorporating distributed storage. The Dallas Fed notes that business microgrids (data centers, corporate campuses) have tripled, but the same awareness has trickled to homeowners in Plano, Frisco, and McKinney. Also, several retail stores and warehouses in the Metroplex have begun co-locating their customer energy resources with grid services – effectively spurring grid resilience at the community level.

• Austin / Central Texas: Central Texas is known for green energy adoption. Many Austin-area homes already had solar under net-metering (before the utility phased it out), and homeowners are adding batteries to those systems. Newly constructed high-end neighborhoods near Austin now frequently include solar+storage packages in the price. Utilities like AEP Texas are rolling out tariffs that reward battery owners for grid services. Research at UT Austin and UTSA is even exploring microgrid technology for entire neighborhoods. The city’s population growth and tech workforce mean that interest in DIY microgrids is high – people here talk about backup power at the same level as they talk about streaming services.

• San Antonio / South Texas: South Texas utilities (like CPS Energy) are keen on solar and batteries, partly to avoid costly transmission upgrades. CPS offers a pilot battery rebate program, and the local co-op markets microgrid kits to rural customers. After Uri, San Antonio electricians saw “a sudden rise in demand for backup generators in our region” (and since then many of those requests now include solar options). Some communities near the Gulf Coast (Corpus Christi area) have begun grassroots solar+battery co-ops to prepare for hurricane season. In general, South Texas homes often have air conditioning loads up to 6–8 kW; in emergencies, even a modest solar+generator installation can keep a house livable.

• Suburban and rural areas: Outside the big cities, patterns differ. In the Texas Panhandle and Hill Country, wind farm owners often also have batteries to ride-through storms. Many ranches run diesel generators for wells and lights anyway, so adding a transfer switch was easy. Some rural subdivisions with septic wells have pooled resources for community solar-battery storage that can power multiple wells. Even in urban fringes, we see a mix: modest homes might put a 5 kW generator or an 8 kW battery in the garage, while luxury homes build mini power plants with full-fledged microgrid controllers.

Each locale has its nuances, but the common thread is that wherever people suffered a long outage, interest grows. In Dallas and Houston, that might be through extreme weather or grid events. In Austin, it’s both heat and being early adopters. In all cases, Texas’s relatively simpler permitting (compared to states like California) makes it faster to get a backup system running once you decide to.

Advice for Homeowners Considering Backup Power

If you’re a Texas homeowner thinking, “Should I get a backup power system?”, here are some practical pointers:

• Assess Your Needs. Decide what you want to run in an outage. Is it just a few circuits (lights, fridge, freezer, furnace)? Or do you want whole-house power? This determines system size and cost. A small generator can often handle essential loads, whereas whole-house systems are more complex.

• Consider Your Options:

  • Portable vs Standby Generator: A portable generator (3–8 kW) is cheapest upfront, but must be manually started and cannot power the whole house safely without a proper transfer switch. A standby generator (20+ kW) is expensive but automatic.

  • Solar & Batteries: If your house gets lots of sun, a solar array plus battery bank might cover daytime and even nighttime essentials. Look into popular battery brands, and whether you qualify for the 30% tax credit. Remember, a solar-only system will not work at night without batteries.

  • Hybrid System: The most resilient (and complex) approach is having both – solar, batteries, AND a gas generator. This is ideal if you can afford it and want almost sure coverage for multi-day events.

• Hire Professionals: Talk to at least two licensed electricians or solar installers. Get them to perform a load calculation for your home – essentially a checklist of all the equipment (HVAC, well pump, oven, etc.) you want on backup, so they can size the generator or battery. Ensure the electrician is familiar with backup systems (ask if they’ve installed standby generators or microgrids before). A good contractor will guide you on permit requirements, HOA approvals (if any), and utility paperwork.

• Check Codes and Permits: Even though you own the equipment, your city’s building department will require permits for electrical and fuel work. The installer should pull these. You’ll likely need permission from your utility too, especially if adding solar. As noted, the utility may need to pull your meter to install a transfer switch safely.

• Think About Fuel and Maintenance: If choosing a generator, decide on fuel type (natural gas line vs. propane tank). Propane tanks require refill scheduling; natural gas burns cleaner but still requires maintenance. If going solar-battery, plan for winter freezing (batteries and panels need a little protection in deep freezes) and summer shade. In all cases, budget for routine maintenance: service your generator yearly, and check battery health (batteries often need replacement in 8–15 years).

• Utilize Incentives: Don’t forget the federal tax credit (keep records!). Some electric co-ops or city utilities may have special programs. For example, CPS Energy’s new program offers a one-time payment for installing a qualifying home battery system. Ask your contractor about any local rebates or programs (e.g. lender credits, on-bill financing, etc.).

• Start Small if Necessary: If a full microgrid is too costly, you can start with a simpler solution and upgrade later. For example, install a smaller generator to handle critical loads, and later add batteries or more solar. Or add one home battery now (which could power a few circuits) and expand it when budget allows.

• Maintain Your System: Once installed, treat your backup power like any essential appliance. Test it periodically (run your generator for 15 minutes monthly, or simulate a blackout to test your inverter). Keep track of warranties and replace parts (like batteries) when needed. A system only helps if it actually works when you need it.

• Stay Informed: Finally, pay attention to grid alerts (ERCOT Forecast emails) and weather forecasts. Sometimes you can pre-charge your batteries if a big storm is coming. Know how to shut down your system manually if needed (your electrician should show you). And have essentials handy (flashlights, extra fuel, extension cords, etc.) even with a backup system, since technology isn’t foolproof.

Installing a private backup power system is a big decision, but for many Texas homeowners it’s become as much about peace of mind as anything. As one expert says, investing in home resiliency will “empower homeowners with the security they deserve”. By planning carefully—understanding the technology, following all safety rules, and working with licensed professionals—homeowners can achieve a more self-reliant power setup. In doing so, they not only protect their own families and property, but also contribute to a sturdier overall energy landscape for Texas.

Key Takeaways: Texas residents have experienced major blackouts (e.g. 2021 winter storm) that motivated many to install home microgrids, generators, or solar+battery backups. These private systems give households their own power source: solar panels and batteries store energy, while generators can run on demand. Demand for residential microgrids has surged, despite high upfront costs (e.g. ~$9,000 for a battery, up to ~$45,000 for a full microgrid). Safety and code compliance are crucial: use a licensed electrician to pull permits and install proper transfer switches. Benefits include staying powered during outages and lower bills, but challenges include cost and maintenance. Texas policies (legislation and incentives) now favor home backup power. Homeowners should evaluate needs, compare generator vs. solar solutions, and work with certified pros to build a compliant system that keeps the lights on when the grid can’t.