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

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

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 Leander 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 Leander?

Pedernales Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Central AC: $250/unit
Heat Pump: $250/unit
Ground Source Heat Pump: $250/Ton
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $250

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

Austin Energy - Residential Solar PV Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
$2,500

Austin Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Central AC/Heat Pump: $150 - $600
Package Unit AC/Heat Pump: $200 - $550
Mini-Split AC/Heat Pump: $250 - $800
AC Tune-Up: $175, max of 5 systems
Pool Pumps: $300 per pump replaced
Heat Pump Water Heater: $800
Smart Thermostat: $25/unit, plus $85 for participating in the Power Partner Thermostat smart energy savings program
Window Air Conditioners: $50 per unit
Weatherization Bonus: Up to $2,400
Solar Screens/Solar Film: $1.00/sq. ft.
Attic Insulation to R-38: varies by original R-value
Duct Replacement: $3.25/sq. ft.
Duct Insulation: $1.00/sq. ft.
Duct System Performance Testing: $200 - first system, $100 each additional system/ $75.00 per new return air improvement (max 3 per system)
External Combustion Air: $20 each
Air Infiltration and Duct Sealing: $0.12/sq. ft.
Total External Static Pressure: $175 for first system, $100 for additional
Return Air/Supply Grilles: $5 each
Improve Supply and/or Return Plenum: $75 each
Additional Attic Access: $25
Insulated Box for Pull Down Stairs: $25
Fan Cover: $25

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/


The term "solar incentives" refers to financial incentives put in place by solar companies and the government to encourage the use of renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. You might qualify for different kinds of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Texas government and others from the federal government. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Rebates: Solar rebates might be provided by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates are essentially partial refunds that are applied after you pay for solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar panel system could qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the value added by your solar panels when calculating property taxes on your home.
  • Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Leander utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you may make back a percentage of the value.

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 solar incentives are probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar incentives. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the most commonly known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a set percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC applies to solar systems 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 it may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar project was undertaken. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.

Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local Leander solar panel installer to get more information.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made revisions to the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit lasts until 2035. Solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed by the end of 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit; this amount will then decrease slightly each year until the end of the current program. Starting in 2023, the expansion will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Leander solar panel installers are the best people to answer your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it applies to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

There are often also state solar incentives in addition to those provided by the federal government. Rebates, tax credits and more can be offered at a more local level. These solar incentives — which might be provided by your county or municipality, or by the state of Texas — might be offered on an ongoing basis, or for only a limited time.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Leander

The expanding number of solar incentives available has enormously increased the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the past 15 years. You can get solar incentives from the federal government, the Texas government or from your local utility company. Your local Leander solar panel installation expert can provide you with more details about which incentives you might qualify for, and get you feeling good about making the change to renewable energy today.

EcoWatch's Leander, TX Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I find out if I qualify for certain solar incentives?

It's a good idea to talk to your local Leander solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, like those given by the state of Texas, may have additional requirements.

Who installs solar panel systems near me?

To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to Leander's top solar panel companies.

What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my house?

You can decrease your carbon footprint by 400 pounds of CO2 annually by installing solar panels. This adds up to roughly 8,000 pounds over 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, which means that switching your home over reduces the drain on our planet's resources.

Can I use solar and another type of renewable energy in combination to power my home?

Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of solar and geothermal. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a non-renewable backup source of energy. You should discuss your plan with your local Leander solar panel installer, so that you understand what you'll need 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.

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