2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Helotes, TX - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Helotes.
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 Helotes?
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
CPS Energy - Solar Hot Water Rebate Program
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are meant to encourage homeowners to switch their home over to renewable energy by offering incentives that lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are handled by the Texas government or by your utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are usually applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Solar rebates may be offered by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
- Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
- Tax Exemptions: These may come in the form of property tax exemptions, which can let you ignore the value of your solar system when calculating the taxes you pay on your home. You could also look for exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Helotes utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some places, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in others you might get refunded a percentage of the value.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are likely to be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar incentives. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the most well-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC initially applied to 30% of the cost of solar panel installation, and has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The percentage you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of accessories, labor and equipment. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.
Curious how the ITC might apply to your specific situation? Reach out to your local Helotes solar panel installer to get more information.
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. The Clean Energy Credit bolsters the current credit, increasing it up to 30% for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. After this, the credit percentage will be reduced slightly each year until the end of the program in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Helotes solar panel installer can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Rebates, tax credits and more can be claimed at multiple levels. In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones as well. These incentives might be given out by the Texas government, or by your county or municipality. Some are available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Helotes
Nationwide solar energy use has increased enormously in the past 15 years, in part due to the growth in the number of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from your local utility company, the Texas government or the federal government. If you're ready to make the switch to solar energy, reaching out to your local Helotes solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
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 Helotes, TX Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for different solar incentives?
It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Helotes solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Typically, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, such as those provided at the level of the Texas government, might have other requirements.
If I already have a solar system installed on my house, can I still claim incentives?
Your best bet is to talk to the company that installed your solar system — or get in touch with a local Helotes solar installer — to clarify which incentives you may qualify for. If your system was installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
Who installs solar panels near me?
To discover the top solar panel installation companies near you, read our article on Helotes' top solar panel companies.
What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?
Solar energy is renewable — by changing where you get your energy, you help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. Solar panels can also reduce the CO2 emissions from your home by 400 pounds yearly, or roughly 8,000 pounds in 20 years.
Can I use a combination of solar and another type 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. Make sure you discuss your plan with your local Helotes solar installer. They can help you as you plan for your project and educate you on the various incentives that you may or may 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.