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

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

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 Cibolo solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 Cibolo?

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

CPS Energy - Solar PV Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
First $9 million will pay a flat rebate of $2,500 per project, plus $500 for locally-produced panels
Next $5 million will pay a flat rebate of $1,500 per project, plus $500 for locally-produced panels

Commercial: $1 million will pay $0.60/Watt, plus an additional $0.10/Watt for locally-produced panels

Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Duct System Replacement: 20% of project cost up to $500
Windows: $2/sq. ft.
Heat Pump Water Heater: $300/unit
Heat Pumps/Cooling System: $550-$650/unit (depending on efficiency)
Attic/Wall Insulation: $0.20/sq. ft. of installed insulation
Solar PV Electrical System: $0.75/Watt
Solar Water Heater: $1,000/unit
Window Solar Screens and/or Film: $0.50/sq. ft. of window
New Home Rebate: $3,200

Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative - Renewable Energy Rebates

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
PV: $0.75/watt
Solar Water Heaters: $1,000/unit
Solar Water Wells: $750/unit

CPS Energy - Solar Hot Water Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
$0.60 per kWh saved annually (conventional 50-gallon electric water heater)

Pedernales Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Central AC: $250/unit
Heat Pump: $250/unit
Ground Source Heat Pump: $250/Ton
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $250

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/


Solar incentives encourage people to make the switch to renewable energy by offering financial incentives that lower the burden of solar panel installation and use. You might qualify for different types of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Texas government and others from the federal government. Types of solar incentives might include:

  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically given before any solar tax credits are calculated. Solar rebates can be provided by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits decrease, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the government. These differ from tax deductions.
  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Cibolo utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you may get refunded a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels may qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the value that solar panels add when you are calculating property taxes on your house.

Federal Solar Incentives

When someone says "solar incentives," you likely think of federal incentives first. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC offers a tax credit for a set percentage of the cost of your solar system.

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, labor and accessories. This credit can apply towards solar panels installed on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The original amount you could claim was 30% of the total cost, although the amount you can claim may range between 26-30%. There is no maximum claim amount.

To know exactly how much money the ITC could save you, contact your local Cibolo solar panel installer.

The ITC was both renewed and expanded by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. You can now receive a 30% credit for solar systems that began installation on or after January 1, 2022 and will be done by December 31, 2032. This new credit will then decrease annually until its expiration. The expansion to the program also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, starting in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To best understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, speak with your local Cibolo solar installation expert.

State & Local Solar Incentives

In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often also state ones. Rebates, tax credits and more might be available at a more local level. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time. Solar incentives may be provided by your county or municipality, or by the Texas government.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Cibolo

Solar energy use nationwide has gone up significantly in the past 15 years, in part due to the proliferation of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Texas government. We recommend talking to your local Cibolo solar installer to learn more about these incentives and to make sure 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

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 Cibolo, TX Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I add a solar system 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, and most secondary residences will fall under this distinction. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what incentives will apply to your specific situation.

Who installs solar panel systems near me?

To find the best solar panel installers near you, read our article on the best solar companies in Cibolo.

What are some of 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. Solar panels can also lower your home's CO2 emissions by 400 pounds a year, or roughly 8,000 pounds in 20 years.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The Clean Energy Credit (formerly 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.

Can I use multiple types of renewable energy 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 plan with your local Cibolo solar installer. They can help you with the plan for your project and educate you on the various incentives that you might or might 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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