2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Harker Heights, TX - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Harker Heights.
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.
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Updated March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Harker Heights?
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
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. Financial incentives like these are designed to encourage more people to convert their home partially or fully to renewable energy. Incentives could include things like discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are handled federally, while others are offered by the Texas government or by your utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar panels are up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Harker Heights 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 others you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: Solar rebates may be provided by your county or state, or by your local utility company. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after you purchase solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are effective at the point of sale for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the added value of your solar system when you're calculating how much property tax you need to pay.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. You might have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This incentive is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a predetermined percentage of the money you spend on your solar system.
The ITC was originally for 30% of the cost of installing a solar system, although it has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of accessories, labor and equipment. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC applies to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.
Your local Harker Heights solar panel installation expert can provide you with more information about the ITC and how it applies to your situation.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. Homeowners can now receive a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. The total credit will then see a slight annual decrease until it expires. The program expansion also makes credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim, beginning in 2023.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Harker Heights solar panel company can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
In addition to those provided at the federal level, there are often also state solar incentives. Rebates, tax credits and more might be available at a more local level. The incentives — which may be given by the state of Texas, or by your county or municipality — could be offered for only a limited time, or on an ongoing basis.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Harker Heights
You can receive solar incentives from the Texas government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. This increase in availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped greatly increase nationwide adoption of solar energy. Your local Harker Heights solar panel installation company can help you learn more about which incentives you can apply for, and get you feeling good about making the change to renewable energy today.
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 Harker Heights, TX Solar Incentives FAQs
What if I add a solar system to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Do I still qualify for incentives?
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 apply to your specific situation.
I already have solar panels installed. Do I qualify for any incentives?
If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If your system was installed between 2006 and 2021, you may qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the year it was installed. Talking to the company that installed your system, or any local Harker Heights solar installer, can help you learn what incentives you might want to apply for.
How much will a solar system save me annually on my electric bill in Harker Heights?
Typically, homeowners in Harker Heights who install solar panels save about $899.06 per year, or about $17,082.09 over 20 years after making the switch.
What are the best solar panel installation companies near me?
To learn about the best solar panel installation companies near you, take a look at our article on the best solar companies in Harker Heights.
Can I receive incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are claiming, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're 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.