2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Fair Oaks Ranch, TX - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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 Fair Oaks Ranch 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

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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 Fair Oaks Ranch?

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

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 are designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives for those who install solar panels on their homes. You may be eligible for different kinds of incentives, including discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the state of Texas and others from the federal government. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits decrease, dollar-for-dollar, how much income tax you owe the federal government. These differ from tax deductions.
  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement in place with your Fair Oaks Ranch utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels may qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value that solar panels add when you are calculating property taxes on your home.
  • Rebates: A rebate is a partial refund after the purchase of your solar system. These may be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The rebates are usually applied before tax credits are calculated.

Federal Solar Incentives

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

The ITC applies to the total cost of solar system installation, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, labor and equipment. You can claim this credit for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own and that is located in the United States. From its original value of 30% of the total cost, the credit has fluctuated slightly between 26-30%, and you may qualify for varying percentages depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum claim amount.

Your local Fair Oaks Ranch solar panel installation expert can offer more information about the ITC and how it may apply to your situation.

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 system installations that begin after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners can apply for a credit for 30% of the total cost. The percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Fair Oaks Ranch 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

Not all solar incentives are federal; rebates, tax credits and more might also be offered at the state and local level. These incentives might be handled by your county or municipality, or by the Texas government. Some are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Fair Oaks Ranch

Solar incentives can be offered by your local utlity company, the Texas government or the federal government. The large number of available solar incentives has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. Reach out to your local solar panel installation company today to discover more about the various programs and to save the most money possible on solar panels for your Fair Oaks Ranch home.

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 Fair Oaks Ranch, TX Solar Incentives FAQs

Can I claim incentives for adding solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?

Many solar incentives are intended to 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 specifics. We recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what incentives may apply to your specific situation.

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

It's a good idea to talk to your local Fair Oaks Ranch solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Usually, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those provided at the level of the Texas government, may have other requirements.

Who installs solar panels near me?

To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to the top solar companies in Fair Oaks Ranch.

When does the federal solar tax credit end?

The federal solar tax credit, formerly called the ITC and now called the Clean Energy Credit, is set to end on January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.

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

Yes, you can receive both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure that you are claiming the correct incentives and getting the most money possible.

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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