2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Kilgore, TX - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 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 Kilgore solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Kilgore?

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

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 mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. This category of financial incentives is intended to encourage more Americans to switch their home over to renewable energy. Solar incentives might include cash back, upfront discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, some by the Texas government and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:

  • Tax Exemptions: These might come in the form of property tax exemptions, which would allow you to ignore the value added by your solar panels when paying taxes on your home. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
  • 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 Kilgore utility company, the company 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 may be refunded a percentage of the value.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically given before any solar tax credits are calculated. Solar rebates can be provided by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits lower, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the government. Tax credits are different from tax deductions.

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

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

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. It's likely that you've heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. The ITC is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a certain percentage of the money you spend on your solar system.

The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. Initially, the credit applied to 30% of the total cost – for panels, labor, accessories and equipment – although that amount may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar project was undertaken. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.

To know exactly how much money the ITC could save you, get in touch with your local Kilgore solar panel installation expert.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act expanded and extended the ITC, now dubbed the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit now runs until 2035. Homeowners can now receive a 30% credit for solar systems that began installation on or after January 1, 2022, and will be done by December 31, 2032. This credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until its expiration. The expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, beginning in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Kilgore solar panel company can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives are often also provided by state and local governments. As with federal incentives, these might include tax credits, rebates and more. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time. These incentives may be offered by your county or municipality, or by the Texas government.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Kilgore

There are a variety of solar incentives: those provided by local utility companies, those offered by the Texas government and those provided by the federal government, to name a few. Solar energy use has increased enormously in the last 15 years, thanks to these incentives. Reach out to your local solar panel installation company today to discover more about the various programs and to save as much money as possible on a solar system for your Kilgore home.

EcoWatch's Kilgore, TX Solar Incentives FAQs

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

Broadly, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar panel system
  2. installed on a property that you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. between the dates specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including those given out by the Texas government or by your county/municipality, may have additional qualifications. Talk to your local Kilgore solar installer to find out what incentives your project may qualify for.

How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Kilgore?

When you add solar panels to your Kilgore home, you can expect to save about $947.99 per year, or around $18,011.83 over the next 20 years.

Who installs solar panel systems near me?

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

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 geothermal and solar. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a non-renewable backup source of energy. Make sure that you discuss the details of your plan with your local Kilgore solar panel installer, to get an understanding of what will be needed and what kinds of incentives you might or might not qualify for.

What if I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Will I still qualify for incentives?

While we recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what solar incentives apply to you, many will apply to a second home, provided that it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the specifics.

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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