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

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

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 Pleasanton solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 Pleasanton?

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

CPS Energy - Solar Hot Water Rebate Program

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

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 designed to encourage people to use renewable energy by making solar panels more affordable. Solar incentives can include cash back, upfront discounts or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are given by the federal government, some by the state of Texas and some by your utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in one of two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, which is applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to ignore the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your home.
  • Rebates: A rebate is a partial refund given after you've purchased your solar panels. These may be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The cash back that you get from the rebates is normally applied before calculating tax credits.
  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Pleasanton utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you may get refunded a percentage of the value.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have some knowledge of. A federal incentive many people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC applies to a solar system installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar system has to have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006 for you to claim the credit. Initially, the ITC applied to 30% of all system costs (panels, labor, accessories and equipment), although this amount has fluctuated over the years between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.

To more fully understand how the ITC may apply to you, speak to your local Pleasanton solar panel installer and request more information.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made revisions to the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners can now qualify for a credit equal to 30% of the total costs of solar system installation for projects that began after January 1, 2022 and will be finished by the end of 2032. The percentage will then begin to decrease yearly until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Starting in 2023, the program expansion will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Pleasanton solar panel installation experts can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit may apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be provided at the state and local level. Like with federal incentives, these could include rebates, tax credits 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 Pleasanton

You can apply for solar incentives from the Texas government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. This increase in availability of solar initiatives over the last 15 years has helped increase solar adoption nationwide. Call your local solar panel installation expert today to learn more and to save as much money as possible on solar panels for your Pleasanton home.

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

EcoWatch's Pleasanton, TX Solar Incentives FAQs

How do I know if I qualify for 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 ones handled by the Texas government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Get in touch with your local Pleasanton solar installer to find out what incentives your project will qualify for.

How much will a solar system save me annually on my electric bill in Pleasanton?

Typically, Pleasanton homeowners who install solar panels save approximately $955.00 per year, or approximately $18,144.93 over 20 years after they make the switch.

What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my house?

You can reduce your carbon footprint by 450 pounds of CO2 annually by installing solar panels. This adds up to approximately 9,000 pounds over 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, meaning that making the switch reduces the drain on our planet's resources.

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

Yes, you can receive both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming the correct incentives and getting the most money you can.

Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?

Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of solar and geothermal. 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 Pleasanton solar installation expert, to get an understanding of what will be needed and what types of incentives 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.

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