Solar Information

Welcome to Celina’s solar resource webpage. Celina is seeking ways to encourage solar energy development in our community. This webpage represents a collection of solar information and resources for the community. For more information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, read the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power and visit the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar. 

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Solsmart
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Celina has become a SolSmart designated community by implementing best practices to make it easier for residents and businesses to install and access solar energy.

Policies and Processes

  • Residential solar permit applications will receive a streamlined review. Our permitting process is done online through your MyGov account.
  • A Solar Panel - Photovoltaic Checklist has been provided to assist the customer with complete application submittals.
  • We offer an inspection appointment time for solar inspections.
  • There are two inspections for solar projects. The Solar Rough-In and the Solar Final. These inspections can be scheduled and completed together on the same day.
Our Solar Commitment

The City of Celina’s Building & Planning Departments are committed to exceptional customer services as it relates to solar processes. To promote the continued advancement of solar in our community we are committed to the following:

  • Providing clear guidelines about the solar permitting and inspection process in our Solar Panel - Photovoltaic Checklist and outlining solar requirements in our planning and zoning Solar Fact Sheet.
  • Processing small rooftop solar PV permits applications in less than 10 business days.
  • Offering inspection appointment times for solar projects.
  • The City of Celina has incorporated solar in our 2040 Comprehensive Plan outlined in our Planning and Zoning Handbook .
  • We have indicated that Alternate Energy/Solar Panels & Devices, as both primary and, more specifically, accessory uses, are interpreted to be permitted by right in all zoning districts and is clarified in the Advisory Determination of Use Letter.

Solar Benefits

Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, supports local solar companies in Texas, saves money on energy costs as the price continues to drop from technological developments, and improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.

Solar Potential 

Investigate your property’s solar potential by clicking here. You can also estimate the performance of potential PV projects using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator.

Finding a Contractor and Going Solar

Find a solar contractor (or two) to assess your home for solar energy and provide a quote.

  • Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP.
  • Visit EnergySage to learn about solar energy and submit for solar quotes from a network of pre-screened, local solar installers.
  • Consumer Solar Checklist – a checklist for residential consumers considering solar energy from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
  • Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights – ensure a positive consumer experience by addressing important issues from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
  • Solar Customer Resource Portal – various resources from SEIA, the Solar Energy Industries Association.
  • Solar Owner’s Manual – information for current solar homeowners to ensure they are getting the most out of their system from Solar United Neighbors.
Financing, Incentives, and Tax Exemptions

Typically, solar installations are paid for through loans or cash, with Federal and State incentives available.