2023 Solar Incentives Guide for New Braunfels, TX - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted New Braunfels solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 New Braunfels?

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

CPS Energy - Solar PV Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
First $9 million will pay a flat rebate of $2,500 per project, plus $500 for locally-produced panels
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

Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Duct System Replacement: 20% of project cost up to $500
Windows: $2/sq. ft.
Heat Pump Water Heater: $300/unit
Heat Pumps/Cooling System: $550-$650/unit (depending on efficiency)
Attic/Wall Insulation: $0.20/sq. ft. of installed insulation
Solar PV Electrical System: $0.75/Watt
Solar Water Heater: $1,000/unit
Window Solar Screens and/or Film: $0.50/sq. ft. of window
New Home Rebate: $3,200

Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative - Renewable Energy Rebates

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
PV: $0.75/watt
Solar Water Heaters: $1,000/unit
Solar Water Wells: $750/unit

CPS Energy - Solar Hot Water Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
$0.60 per kWh saved annually (conventional 50-gallon electric water heater)

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

New Braunfels Utilities - Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation Rebate Programs

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Split System AC & Heat Pump: $250 - $500
Package Unit AC & Heat Pump: $250 - $500
LED Exit Signs: $20 per unit installed, capped at $100
A/C Checkup: $40
Washing Machine: $100
Drought Tolerant Tree: $25 for one tree.
Irrigation Zone Removal: $200/zone, additional $100 if all zones are removed
Rain Barrel/Cistern: $0.50/gallon
Drought Tolerant Landscape: $0.50/sq. ft.
Toilet/Urinal: $50 - $75
Mulch: $12.50/cubic yard installed
Artificial Turf: $2.00/sq. ft.
Solar PV: $0.45 - $0.50/watt

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 are intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable through financial incentives for those who install solar panels on their homes. Solar incentives could include upfront discounts, cash back or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, some by the Texas government and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:

  • Rebates: Solar rebates might be offered by your county or state, or by your local utility company. These rebates work as cash back that is applied after you pay for a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the value added by your solar system when you calculate the amount of property tax you need to pay on your home.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the government.
  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your New Braunfels utility company, the company 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 places you might 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

When you think about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. A federal incentive that most people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC originally covered 30% of the total cost of solar system installation, and has fluctuated slightly over the last few years 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 equipment, labor and accessories. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.

Reaching out to your local New Braunfels solar panel installer is the best way to learn more about how the ITC may apply to your situation.

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 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; the amount will decrease slightly each year until the current program ends. Starting in 2023, the program expansion will also make claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you is to speak with your local New Braunfels solar panel installers directly.

State & Local Solar Incentives

In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often also state ones. Tax credits, rebates and more might be available at a more local level. These incentives may be distributed by the Texas government, or by your county or municipality. Some incentives may be ongoing, while others are available for a limited time.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in New Braunfels

The large number of available solar incentives has enormously increased the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the last 15 years. You can get solar incentives from your local utility company, the Texas government or the federal government. Your local New Braunfels solar panel installer can give you more information about which incentives you can apply for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.

EcoWatch's New Braunfels, TX Solar Incentives FAQs

If I already have solar panels, can I still claim incentives?

If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If your system was installed between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the year it was installed. Speaking with the company that installed your system, or any local New Braunfels solar installer, can help you understand what incentives you can apply for.

Who installs solar panel systems near me?

To learn about the best solar panel installers near you, take a look at our article on New Braunfels' best solar panel companies.

If I trade in my appliances for ones that use solar energy, are there incentives I can claim?

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act provides a number of incentives that reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.

Can I apply for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

Yes, you can receive both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on precisely 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 incentives correctly and getting the most money possible.

Can I use a combination of multiple types 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 talk through your plan with your local New Braunfels solar installation expert. They can help you plan your project and educate you on the various incentives that you might or might 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.

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