Xcel urges customers to get information on pricing before investing in solar panels AGN Media Xcel Energy is reminding Texas customers to know and understand policies regarding rooftop solar installations before signing agreements with companies that sell solar panels to power homes and businesses. “Customers who generate their own electricity with home solar panels generally want to stay connected to the central distribution grid for backup purposes,” said Brad Baldridge, director of Customer and Community Relations for Xcel Energy in a news release. “And some customers are looking to sell back surplus energy.” Baldridge said it’s important for customers to contact Xcel Energy before finalizing a deal so they can understand the policies related to connecting home solar generating systems to the grid and know what they’ll be paid for surplus electricity.