2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Garden Ridge, TX - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Garden Ridge.
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 Garden Ridge solar installers to see how much you can save.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Garden Ridge?
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
CPS Energy - Solar PV Rebate Program
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
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
Solar Water Heaters: $1,000/unit
Solar Water Wells: $750/unit
CPS Energy - Solar Hot Water Rebate Program
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 phrase "solar incentives" includes a 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. Different kinds of incentives, including discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, might be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the Texas government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Garden Ridge utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
- Rebates: Solar rebates may be offered by your state or county, or by your local utility company. These rebates work as partial refunds that are applied after you pay for solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in one of two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to exclude the added value of your solar system when paying property tax on your home.
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. The solar incentive that you're most likely to have heard of is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC can be applied to the total cost of solar panel installation, including the panels themselves as well as labor, equipment and accessories. 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. The tax credit ranges from 26-30% of total costs depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
To more fully understand how the ITC could apply to your situation, speak to your local Garden Ridge solar panel installation expert and request more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Homeowners are now eligible for a credit equal to 30% of the total costs of solar system installation for projects that began after January 1, 2022 and will be finished by the end of 2032. This percentage will then begin to decrease yearly until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting 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. The easiest way to understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to talk with your local Garden Ridge solar panel company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are not your only option; rebates, tax credits and more may be offered at the local or state level. Incentives may be offered by your county or municipality, or by the state of Texas. Some incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Garden Ridge
Solar incentives might be offered by your local utility company, the federal government or the Texas government. The large number of available solar incentives has helped nationwide use of solar energy increase greatly in the last 15 years. Talking to your local Garden Ridge solar panel installation company is a great first step towards getting the most money possible when you switch to solar energy.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Garden Ridge, TX Solar Incentives FAQs
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To find the best solar panel installation companies near you, read our article on the best solar companies in Garden Ridge.
What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar?
Solar energy is renewable — by changing where you get your energy, you can help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. You can also lower the CO2 emissions from your home 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 (previously called the federal solar tax credit, or 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 credits I can apply for?
Under the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are a variety of new financial incentives that are available when you make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details regarding these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
Can I use both solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can use multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of solar and geothermal. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a backup source of non-renewable energy. Make sure that you discuss your proposed plan with your local Garden Ridge solar installation expert, to get an understanding of what will be needed and what kinds of 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.