2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Hillsboro, TX - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Hillsboro.
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 May 04, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Hillsboro?
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/
The term "solar incentives" refers broadly to financial incentives that are in place to encourage people to use renewable energy by making solar panels more affordable. You might be eligible for several kinds of incentives, including cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the state of Texas and others from the federal government. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are usually given prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Solar rebates might be offered by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Hillsboro utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the federal government.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value that your solar panels add when you calculate the amount of property tax you need to pay.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are probably the first thing that you think of when you think about solar incentives. The solar incentive that you're most familiar with is probably the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a credit on your taxes equal to a specified percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost — for panels, labor, equipment and accessories — although that amount may range from 26-30%, depending on the installation date of your solar system. There is no cap on the claim amount.
To know exactly how much money the ITC could save you, get in touch with your local Hillsboro solar panel installation expert.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act expanded and extended the ITC, now titled the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit now runs until 2035. You can now receive a 30% credit for solar systems that began installation after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032. This credit will then see a slight annual decrease until it expires. The expansion 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. Your local Hillsboro 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
Some solar incentives are often also provided at the state and local level. Similar to federal incentives, these can include tax credits, rebates and more. Incentives may be handled by your county or municipality, or by the state of Texas. Certain incentives might only be available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Hillsboro
The nationwide use of solar energy has increased enormously in the past 15 years, in part thanks to the proliferation of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from the Texas government, the federal government or your local utility company. Getting in touch with your local Hillsboro solar panel installer is the right first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for 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
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 Hillsboro, TX Solar Incentives FAQs
I already have solar panels installed. Does my system qualify for any incentives?
You should plan to talk to the company that installed your system — or reach out to a local Hillsboro solar installer — to clarify which incentives you may qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
How much will solar panels save me on my electric bill in Hillsboro annually?
After adding solar panels to your Hillsboro home, you can anticipate savings of around $934.15 per year, or around $17,748.82 over 20 years.
What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?
To find the top solar panel installation companies near you, read our article on Hillsboro's top solar panel companies.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The federal solar tax credit, formerly known as the ITC and now named the Clean Energy Credit, is scheduled to end January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.
I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can apply for?
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act introduces a number of incentives that reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
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.