Solar Energy

Solar Energy Education & Resources | New Braunfels Utilities

Exploring Solar Energy

NBU is here to help make the switch to solar clear, safe, and simple. Our solar education program is designed to support homeowners and businesses at every stage, from early research to installation and long-term system care.

Whether you’re just starting to explore solar or ready to move forward, we provide tools, guidance, and trusted resources so you can make confident, informed decisions.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has created the following guide for homeowners considering installing solar panels:

PUCT Homeowner’s Guide to Solar

Solar Overview
Participating Solar Contractors
Becoming a Participating Solar Contractor

Solar energy allows you to generate clean, renewable power right from your own property. It can help lower long-term energy costs, reduce your environmental footprint, and add value to your home or business. By producing your own electricity, you become less dependent on the grid while contributing to a more sustainable future for our community.

NBU’s solar program is built around education, transparency, and customer support. We don’t sell or install solar systems, but we do make sure you understand what to expect, how the process works, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Our program includes guidance on system sizing, understanding your energy usage, learning how solar systems connect to the grid, and knowing what paperwork and approvals are required. We also provide support throughout the interconnection and rebate process so you’re never left guessing.

To protect customers and promote quality installations, NBU maintains a list of participating solar contractors. These contractors complete required training and agree to follow NBU program guidelines, helping ensure consistent standards and ethical business practices.

Choosing a participating contractor gives you an added layer of confidence as you move forward with your solar project. Contractors must stay up to date on program requirements and continue meeting eligibility standards to remain on the list.

NBU offers solar rebates to help make installing a system more affordable. Our rebate program is designed to reward customers who complete required education steps and follow approved installation and interconnection processes.

Rebate eligibility, payout amounts, and requirements may change over time, so we recommend reviewing current program details before getting started. Our team is always available to answer questions and guide you through what’s needed.

Going solar is a big decision, and education is a key part of doing it right. NBU offers an online solar course that walks you through the full journey, from setting goals to choosing a contractor, installing your system, applying for rebates, and maintaining your setup long-term.

The course helps you understand:
• How solar systems work
• What to look for in a contractor
• How to avoid common scams
• How rebates and interconnection work
• What to expect after installation

Take the Solar Education Course

Unfortunately, misleading claims and aggressive sales tactics do exist in the solar industry. Below are some of the common pieces of misinformation scammers are likely to give:

The Scammer Claims that NBU Sells Solar

If someone selling solar tells you that they work for NBU, or that they represent NBU, or that they are a “preferred” company for NBU, they are not telling you the truth.

NBU does not sell solar panels, at all. Check NBU’s List of Participating Contractors to ensure the installer follows NBU’s Code of Conduct and Ethical Requirements to sell you solar.

The Scammer Makes Extreme, Unbelievable Claims

If someone says you can go off-grid by installing solar or that you will not receive electric bills anymore, they are trying to trick you.

Every NBU solar customer is part of the electric grid and receives electric bills.

The Scammer Gives you False Incentive Information

If you are told that NBU will pay for your solar system, that you will never have a utility bill again, or NBU will pay you back monthly, they are most likely not telling you the truth.

NBU pays qualifying residential customers up to a $3,000 rebate and credits solar customers for the energy their home solar panels produce and will be reflected on the electric bill.

Find a Solar Contractor

Only systems installed by a listed Participating Solar Contractor are eligible for NBU’s solar rebate.
All participating contractors must abide by the NBU Code of Cond uct and Ethical Requirements and the NBU Solar Rebate Program Participating Contractor Handbook and are expected to conduct business in an honest, professional, and ethical manner to remain on our participating contractors list.
You may still choose to use a solar company that is not listed here, but you will not be eligible for a solar rebate from NBU.
We recommend that customers check references and get at least three quotes.

Man installing solar panels onto residential roof

How to Become an NBU Participating Solar Contractor

Register as a Contractor with the City of New Braunfels

To become a registered contractor with the City of New Braunfels, you must first register with the city of New Braunfels Building Division

Register with Our Online Rebate Processing System

Attend Two Continuing Education Sessions Annually

Continuing Education – offers program overviews and review the rebate application, permitting, and installation processes email solar@nbutexas.com for upcoming meeting dates (typically held the second Tuesday of each month)

Registration Checklist

To start your Participating Solar Contractor application and register your company, complete the following checklist:

Completed NBU Participating Solar Contractor Registration with all required documentation attached
NABCEP Certificate with proof of registration of listed organization on NABCEP Certified Locator List, found at https://www.nabcep.org/certified-installer-locator, and documentation such as a W-2 showing that NABCEP certificate holder is employed by your company (Form 1099s are not acceptable)
Master Electrician License and documentation such as a W-2 showing that Master Electrician license holder is employed by your company
Registration with the City of New Braunfels or the City of Schertz – State Electrical Contractor (if applicable)
Certificate of Insurance with NBU named as additional insured
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Electrical Contractor License
The Participating Solar Contractor Handbook Acknowledgement Form, signed by person authorized to conduct business and to bind the company
The Participating Solar Contractor Code of Conduct Acknowledgement Form signed by person authorized to conduct business and to bind the company

Permitting Information

City of New Braunfels Building Permits

City of Schertz Building Permits

Support You Can Count On

Our commitment doesn’t stop once your system is installed. We offer ongoing customer support to help with questions about interconnection, rebates, system changes, and general solar information.

If you’re not sure where to begin, we’re happy to walk you through your options.

Solar FAQs