2023 Solar Incentives Guide for River Oaks, TX - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in River Oaks.
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 September 15, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in River Oaks?
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/
Solar incentives are designed to encourage people to switch their home over to renewable energy by providing incentives that lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. Different types of incentives, including cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, might be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the Texas government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar system may 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 exclude the added value of the solar panels when calculating property taxes on your house.
- Rebates: Solar rebates may be provided by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after you purchase solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar system is up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your River Oaks 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 places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you may get refunded a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the government.
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
Federal Solar Incentives
When you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. An incentive many people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a specific percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC can be applied to the total cost of installing solar panels, including the panels themselves as well as labor, accessories and equipment. You can claim this credit for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own, as long as it is located in the United States. Originally set at 30% of total costs, the credit has fluctuated over time, and you may qualify for different amounts depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
To better understand how the ITC might apply to your situation, contact your local River Oaks solar panel installer and request more information.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act expanded and extended the ITC, now titled the Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners can now receive a credit of 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects that began after January 1, 2022 and will be finished by the end of 2032. This percentage will then begin to decrease on a yearly basis until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems with the new act.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local River Oaks 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
In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often also state ones. Rebates, tax credits and more can be offered at a more local level. These incentives — which may be given by the state of Texas, or by your county or municipality — could be offered on an ongoing basis, or for only a limited time.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in River Oaks
There are many types of solar incentives: those provided by local utility companies, those provided by the Texas government and those provided by the federal government, to name a few. The use of solar energy has increased tremendously in the last 15 years, thanks to these incentives. We suggest talking to your local River Oaks solar installation expert to learn more about these incentives and to ensure that you're getting the largest number possible for your solar system.
EcoWatch's River Oaks, TX Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for certain solar incentives?
It's a good idea to talk to your local River Oaks solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Typically, 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 offered by the government of Texas, may have other requirements.
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to River Oaks' top solar panel companies.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The federal solar tax credit, formerly called the ITC and now called 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 switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can get?
The new Inflation Reduction Act introduces multiple incentives designed to reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I qualify for incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're getting the most money possible.
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.