2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Santa Fe, TX - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Santa Fe.
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 May 04, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Santa Fe?
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/
The term "solar incentives" refers to a range of financial incentives put in place to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are offered federally, while others are provided by the state of Texas or your utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar panels are up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Santa Fe utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you might be refunded a percentage of the value.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the value added by your solar system when you calculate how much property tax you need to pay on your house.
- Rebates: A rebate is a partial refund given after you've purchased your solar panels. These might be offered by your local utility company, your state or your county. The rebates are usually applied before calculating tax credits.
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC offers a tax credit for a set percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to the total cost of solar panel installation, including the panels themselves as well as equipment, accessories and labor. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence located in the United States that you own. From its original value of 30% of the total cost, the credit has fluctuated slightly between 26-30%, and you may qualify for varying percentages depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
To understand exactly how much money the ITC could save you, get in touch with your local Santa Fe solar panel installation expert.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, added more provisions to the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). The Clean Energy Credit re-raises the credit up to 30% for solar installations undertaken between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. After 2032, the percentage will see a slight decrease annually until the end of the program in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To best understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you, get in touch with your local Santa Fe solar installation company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Tax credits, rebates and more can be provided at multiple levels. Along with federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. These incentives may be provided by your county or municipality, or by the Texas government. Some incentives may be available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Santa Fe
Solar incentives might be offered by your local utility company, the federal government or the Texas government. The growing number of incentives available has contributed to a large increase in solar energy use in the last 15 years. It is a good idea to talk to your local Santa Fe solar installation company to learn more about these incentives and to make sure that you're getting all of the money you can for your solar system.
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
EcoWatch's Santa Fe, TX Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I learn if I qualify for specific solar incentives?
In most cases, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar panel system
- installed on a property that you own
- within the U.S.
- within the date range specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including ones handled by the Texas government or by your county/municipality, sometimes have additional qualifications. Get in touch with your local Santa Fe solar installer to learn more about what incentives your project may qualify for.
If I already have a solar system installed on my house, can I still claim incentives?
You should plan to talk to someone from the company that installed your solar system — or reach out to a local Santa Fe solar installer — to clarify which incentives you may qualify for. If your system was installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Santa Fe?
On average, homeowners in Santa Fe who install solar panels save around $1,036.52 per year, or around $20,730.31 over 20 years after making the switch.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly called the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), is slated to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can apply for?
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for a number of incentives designed to reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
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.