The TL;DR on solar panel installation in San Antonio
Do you know the requirements for installing solar panels in the Alamo City? | Photo by Bill Mead
It’s no secret that the Texas sun has been beating down on us for a good while, pushing us to crank up the AC. We don’t even want to think about what it’s done to our CPS bill. Many locals may be thinking it’s time to consider the options when it comes to electricity — solar electricity.
We’re here to breakdown the rules + regulations to help you understand the basics of solar electricity in San Antonio.
Solar Power 101
Solar power harnesses the sun’s radiation to help reduce the cost of energy, contribute to a resilient electrical grid, and generate backup power.
Here in San Antonio, that startup cost is approximately $11,315-$13,830 up front — usually paid off in six to eight years. Estimated savings over 25 years is anywhere between $26,187 and $32,006..
You can estimate your specific cost and savings based on location and usage with this calculator.
Install solar panels on the roof of your house and see a decrease in your electric bill.
Installing solar power in San Antonio requires a qualified registered contractor to check your home and the selection of the system you want.
CPS Energy is not a manufacturer, supplier, installer, nor guarantor of the solar panel system. However, through its Simply Solar Program you can research different resources + benefits for the system that best fits your needs.
Story Time with Ms. Kim | Tuesday, Oct. 17 | 10-11 a.m. | Yanaguana Garden, 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio | Free | Join Hemisfair for a storybook reading in the garden.
Bead Mixer | Tuesday, Oct. 17 | 6-11 p.m. | Hands Down Bar, 1012 S. Presa St., San Antonio | Free | Come make beaded necklaces with the Homesick Art Collection for this 21+ event and enjoy all day happy hour specials.
A Day to be BRAVE | Tuesday, Oct. 17 | 6-9 p.m. | Hopscotch San Antonio, 711 Navarro St. Ste. 100, San Antonio | Free | Come enjoy food, drinks, vendors, a panel discussion, and a special Selena performance from Queen Lady B.
Wednesday, Oct. 18
World Okapi Day | Wednesday, Oct. 18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. Saint Mary’s St., San Antonio | Free | Come learn and meet the zoo’s newest baby Okapi, included with your admission ticket.
Harvest Night Market | Wednesday, Oct. 18 | 5-9 p.m. | Historic Pearl, 303 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio | Free | Explore local vendors selling fall-themed goodies and take a photo in front of the Pearl Model T truck surrounded by pumpkins.
Johnny P. & The Wiseguys | Wednesday, Oct. 18 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Bunker Mixology, 229 E. Houston St., San Antonio | Free | Come listen to live Jazz at this downtown speakeasy.
Why switch now? Any member who opens an Ultimate Checking account between now and Tuesday, Oct. 31 will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 Mastercard Gift Card.
The Uvalde CISD is set to start construction on its replacement campus for Robb Elementary Schoolby the end of October. It will include a tree sculpture at the entrance of the school honoring the victims of the May 24, 2022 tragedy. A name for the school has not been chosen yet. (SA Current)
Ranked
San Antonio was ranked No. 16 on Wallet Hub’s “Best & Worst Cities to Drive in.” Our high score was in part for our well-rated road safety conditions and infrastructure. Don’t get us wrong, we love the high ranking, but that La Cantera exit from 1604 Westbound? Terrifying.
Outdoors
Join the City of San Antonio as they celebrate the dedication of Blossom Park this morning at 10 a.m. with the unveiling of Leticia Huerta’s latest sculpture project “Bloom.” The local artist’s installation features native wildflowers made from bicycle parts that can be found at eight San Antonio-area parks.
Plan Ahead
Shubh Deepavali. The 15th anniversary of the Diwali San Antonio Festival of Lights returns to the Arneson Theater and Hemisfair on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 4:30 p.m. to midnight. This free festival honors + celebrates the Diwali tradition with Indian dance, entertainment, food, and crafts.
Eat
Bakery Lorraine is celebrating Halloween with limited-time pastry offerings at all of its San Antonio locations from Saturday, Oct. 28 to Tuesday, Oct. 31. The first 30 kids who come into the bakery on Halloween will receive one free macaron.
Drink
Boba and tea shop, Hella Bubble, is hosting a Boba Boo Bash starting Saturday, Oct. 21 from 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 22 from 1-7 p.m. Be sure to swing by this free event for food + drinks, Asian snacks, vendors, raffles, and more.
Community
Did you catch Saturday’s eclipse? Check out local photographer Darren Abate’s collage of the passing moon. You can see just when the sun created its Ring of Fire around the lunar satellite. Don’t worry, you can catch the next solar eclipseon Monday, April 8, 2024.
Art
Shopping local 🤝 seeing local art
Feliz Modern unveils renovated gallery space
See Kelly O’Connor’s exhibition “Multifaceted Woman” at Feliz Modern. | Photo by Feliz Modern.
Shop til you drop ... and then check out some art. The “Home of Happy,” Feliz Modern, revealed its newly renovated gallery space via Instagram that will host local artists for brief residencies.
The local boutique is celebrating the occasion with its first artist-in-residency, Kelly O’Connor Calvillo. Starting tomorrow, stop by it’s Olmos location during regular business hours to see Calvillo’s, “Multifaceted Woman.”
Here’s what to know about the installation:
An 8-ft-tall three-piece collage
Includes a mix of materials such as modern + vintage magazine clippings, record covers, card stock, and more
Inspired by Disney’s iconic attraction, “It’s a Small World”
Pro tip: Be sure to check out Feliz’s sticker wall to find your next favorite design. City Editor Nicholas loves the selection of Taylor Swift and puro San Antonio selections the shop has to offer.
The Buy
The Buy 10.17.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
An Elite Going membership. Because first class flights don’t have to come full price. Score 40-90% off booking prices and fly to your next vacation in style.
Did y’all catch the Disney 100 animated special “Once Upon a Studio” on Sunday night? Neither did I. Instead, I waited for it to become available on Disney+ to watch it. If you have a subscription, I highly recommend you give this nine minute short film a watch if you’re a fan of Walt Disney Animation.
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