2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Balch Springs, TX - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Balch Springs.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Balch Springs solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Balch Springs?

Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive

Texas Gas Service - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Free Equipment Program: Free appliance installation and weatherization services
Home Improvement (includes attic insulation, duct sealing, duct insulation, duct replacement, high-efficiency gas furnace, and Wi-Fi thermostat: Up to $1000
Solar Water Heater With Natural Gas Backup: $750
Tankless or Super High-efficiency Water Heater: $650
Furnace: $675
Furnace Tune-Up: $40
Natural Gas Dryer with moisture sensor: $225
Natural Gas Dryer Stub: $300

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


The phrase "solar incentives" covers a range of financial incentives implemented to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. The incentives could include upfront discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, some by the state of Texas and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Rebates: A rebate is a partial refund credited to your account after you've paid for your solar system. Rebates may be offered by your local utility company, your state or your county. The cash back that you get from the rebates is normally applied before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Exemptions: These can come in the form of property tax exemptions, which allow you to ignore the value added by your solar panels when paying taxes on your house. You could also look for exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the government.
  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Balch Springs utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you might make back a percentage of the value.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar incentives. A federal incentive many people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC was originally for 30% of the total cost of solar system installation, although it has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The percentage you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of equipment, labor and accessories. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.

To know exactly how much the ITC could save you, speak with your local Balch Springs solar panel installation expert.

The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032, homeowners can receive a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. After 2033, the percentage will decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to speak with your local Balch Springs solar panel installation expert directly.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are not your only option; rebates, tax credits and more might also be offered at the state and local level. Incentives might be provided by your county or municipality, or by the state of Texas. Some incentives may be available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Balch Springs

You can apply for solar incentives from the federal government and the Texas government, as well as from your local utility company. The increased availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped increase nationwide solar energy use enormously. It is a good idea to talk to your local Balch Springs solar installation company for more information about these incentives and to make sure that you're getting the largest number possible for your solar panels.

EcoWatch's Balch Springs, TX Solar Incentives FAQs

How do I know if I qualify for different solar incentives?

It's a good idea to talk to your local Balch Springs solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, such as those provided by the Texas government, might have additional requirements.

How much will a solar system save me on my electric bill in Balch Springs annually?

Generally, Balch Springs homeowners who install solar panels save about $966.90 per year, or about $19,337.95 over 20 years after making the switch.

What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?

Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by changing where you get your energy, you can help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. A solar system can also lower the CO2 emissions from your home by 400 pounds yearly, or around 8,000 pounds in 20 years.

Can I claim incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

The order your incentives will be applied in might vary depending on which incentives you are claiming but typically yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Get in touch with your solar installer or a local tax professional to be sure you are claiming all the incentives you qualify for and applying them in the correct order.

Can I use solar and another type of renewable energy in combination to power my home?

Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of solar and wind power. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a backup source of non-renewable energy. Be sure to discuss your proposed plan with your local Balch Springs solar panel installer, so that you understand what you'll need and what incentives you will or won't qualify for.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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