2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Benbrook, TX - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 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 Benbrook solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Benbrook?

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 term "solar incentives" covers a wide range of financial incentives designed to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Various types of incentives, including discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, might be available to you. Certain incentives may be provided via the Texas government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:

  • Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are typically given prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Rebates might be offered by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the value added by your solar system when you calculate how much property tax you need to pay on your home.
  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Benbrook utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you might make back a percentage of the value.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely to be the first thing that you think of when you think about solar incentives. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC allows you to claim a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC covers solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and under this program you can deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, equipment, accessories and labor. This credit can be claimed on a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. Originally, you could claim 30% of the total cost, although the amount you can claim may range between 26-30%. There is no maximum amount you can claim.

Talking to your local Benbrook solar panel installation expert is the best way to understand how the ITC applies to your situation.

The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit bolsters the current credit, increasing it up to 30% for solar installations undertaken between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. After this, the credit percentage will be reduced slightly each year until the end of the program in 2035. Starting in 2023, the program expansion will also make claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Benbrook solar panel installer can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be provided at the state and local level. Like with federal incentives, these could include tax credits, rebates and more. These incentives may be given out by the Texas government, or by your county or municipality. Some incentives may be available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Benbrook

There are a variety of solar incentives: those given by local utility companies, those given by the federal government and those given by the Texas government, to name a few. The use of solar energy has grown tremendously in the last 15 years, partially thanks to these incentives. We recommend talking to your local Benbrook solar installer to learn more about these incentives and to ensure that you're getting the most money possible for your solar panels.

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 (coming 2022)

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

EcoWatch's Benbrook, TX Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I am planning to add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Can I still qualify for incentives?

Many solar incentives apply to a property you own that is located within the United States; most secondary residences will fall under this distinction. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what incentives apply to your specific situation.

How do I learn if I qualify for specific solar incentives?

It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Benbrook solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, like those provided at the level of the Texas government, might have additional requirements.

If my house already has solar panels, can I still claim incentives?

You should plan to talk to the company that installed your solar panels — or call a local Benbrook solar installer — to learn about which incentives you might qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.

What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?

To find the right solar panel installer for you, check out our guide to the top solar companies in Benbrook.

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

You can use multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy, to power your home. Make sure you talk through your ideas with your local Benbrook solar installer. They can help you with the plan for your project and give you an understanding of various incentives that you may or may not 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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