Solar Savings in
New Braunfels, Texas
New Braunfels homeowners pay NBU rates of $0.132/kWh—10% above the national average. With 5.3 daily peak sun hours, solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity costs.
NBU
$0.132/kWh
5.3 hrs/day
78130
Calculate Your Solar Savings
Personalized estimate for New Braunfels, TX
Utility Provider
NBU
Current Rate
$0.132/kWh
Get Your Free Solar Quote
Get personalized estimates from local New Braunfels installers
Electricity Rate Comparison
How NBU rates compare to state and national averages
New Braunfels residents pay 10% more than the national average
Higher electricity costs mean greater potential savings when switching to solar power.
$0.132
New Braunfels Rate/kWh
5.3h
Peak Sun Hours
+10%
Savings Potential
Higher electricity rates increase your potential savings from solar.New Braunfels homeowners can lock in energy costs for 25+ years with solar panels, protecting against future rate increases.
Your New Braunfels Solar Analyst
David Martinez
Austin Metro Advisor
Credentials
Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
David specializes in Austin Energy's unique rebate structure and helps clients navigate Pedernales Electric Co-op programs. He's guided over 500 Central Texas families through solar transitions.
Certifications
Specialties
Last reviewed: January 2026
Verified ExpertNew Braunfels Solar Market Analysis
New Braunfels presents a compelling case for residential solar adoption. With a population of approximately 98,000 and median home values around $350,000, the local market demonstrates strong suitability for solar investment.
The combination of 5.3 daily peak sun hours and NBU's electricity rates of $0.132/kWh creates favorable conditions for solar ROI. Most New Braunfels homeowners can expect payback periods between 7-10 years.
The current 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), available through 2032, significantly improves the economics of solar installation in the New Braunfels area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about going solar in New Braunfels
Yes, solar is typically an excellent investment in New Braunfels. With 5.3 peak sun hours daily—higher than the national average—and NBU charging $0.132/kWh, most homeowners see payback periods of 7-10 years. After that, you're generating free electricity for another 15-20 years. The 30% federal tax credit through 2032 further improves the ROI.
Savings depend on your current electricity usage. A New Braunfels home with a $180/month electric bill can typically save $40,000-$60,000 over 20 years. These savings account for NBU's current rates, historical rate increases of 3% per year, and system degradation of 0.5% annually.
Texas doesn't have statewide solar rebates, but the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides a 30% credit on your total system cost through 2032. This means a $20,000 system costs effectively $14,000 after the tax credit. Some NBU programs may offer additional incentives—we recommend checking their current offerings.
System size depends on your electricity consumption. For a typical New Braunfels home paying $180/month, you'd need approximately 8-10kW of solar panels. Our calculator above provides a personalized estimate based on your actual monthly bill and NBU's rates.
Modern solar panels are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and typically last 25-30 years. While Texas heat can slightly reduce efficiency on the hottest days, the abundant sunshine more than compensates. Most manufacturers offer 25-year production warranties, guaranteeing at least 80% output over that period.
Standard grid-tied solar systems shut off during outages for safety reasons (to protect utility workers). If backup power is important to you, consider adding a battery storage system like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ. This allows you to store solar energy and maintain power during NBU outages.
Texas has net metering policies that vary by utility. With NBU, excess energy you generate is typically credited to your account, offsetting future usage. The exact rate and terms depend on your specific plan—our local analysts can help you understand your options.
Studies consistently show solar panels increase home values. According to Zillow, homes with solar sell for approximately 4.1% more on average. In New Braunfels, where the median home value is $350,000, this could mean an additional $14,350 in resale value.