2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Buda, TX - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Buda.
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.
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Buda?
Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption
Texas Gas Service - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
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
Austin Energy - Residential Solar PV Rebate Program
Austin Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Package Unit AC/Heat Pump: $200 - $550
Mini-Split AC/Heat Pump: $250 - $800
AC Tune-Up: $175, max of 5 systems
Pool Pumps: $300 per pump replaced
Heat Pump Water Heater: $800
Smart Thermostat: $25/unit, plus $85 for participating in the Power Partner Thermostat smart energy savings program
Window Air Conditioners: $50 per unit
Weatherization Bonus: Up to $2,400
Solar Screens/Solar Film: $1.00/sq. ft.
Attic Insulation to R-38: varies by original R-value
Duct Replacement: $3.25/sq. ft.
Duct Insulation: $1.00/sq. ft.
Duct System Performance Testing: $200 - first system, $100 each additional system/ $75.00 per new return air improvement (max 3 per system)
External Combustion Air: $20 each
Air Infiltration and Duct Sealing: $0.12/sq. ft.
Total External Static Pressure: $175 for first system, $100 for additional
Return Air/Supply Grilles: $5 each
Improve Supply and/or Return Plenum: $75 each
Additional Attic Access: $25
Insulated Box for Pull Down Stairs: $25
Fan Cover: $25
Pedernales Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Heat Pump: $250/unit
Ground Source Heat Pump: $250/Ton
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $250
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" refers to financial incentives that are in place to encourage increased use of renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. Different types of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, may be available to you. Some incentives may be offered by the Texas government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, which is applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to ignore the value added by your solar system when calculating property tax for your home.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement in place with your Buda utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you may be refunded a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are typically given before any solar tax credits are calculated. These rebates might be provided by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the federal government.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides you with a tax credit for a specific percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC is applied to the total cost of solar system installation, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, equipment and labor. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence that you own and that is located in the United States. Originally set at 30% of total costs, the credit has fluctuated over time, and you may qualify for different amounts depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum claim amount.
To better understand exactly how much money the ITC could save you, talk to your local Buda solar panel installer.
In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022, and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners may be eligible for a credit for 30% of the total cost. The percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. The program expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, beginning in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The easiest way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to speak with your local Buda solar panel installers directly.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Rebates, tax credits and more can be provided at multiple levels. Along with federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Certain incentives are offered for only a limited time, while others are ongoing. These local incentives could come from the Texas government, or from your specific county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Buda
Solar incentives may be offered by your local utility company, the federal government or the Texas government. The growing number of available incentives has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. Your local Buda solar panel installation company can help you learn more about which incentives you might qualify for, and get you started on the path to switching to renewable energy today.
EcoWatch's Buda, TX Solar Incentives FAQs
I already have solar panels installed. Does my system qualify for any incentives?
An excellent idea would be to talk to someone from the company that installed your system – or get in touch with a local Buda solar installer — to clarify which incentives you may qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the newly 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 best solar panel installation companies near me?
To learn about the best solar panel installers near you, take a look at our article on the top solar companies in Buda.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (previously called the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can claim?
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for multiple incentives designed to reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
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. Be sure to discuss your ideas with your local Buda solar installation expert. They can help you plan your project and educate you on the various incentives that 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.