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

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

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 Selma 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 Selma?

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)

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 encourage people to make the switch to renewable energy by offering incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are handled federally, while others are handled by the state of Texas or by your utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • Tax Exemptions: These could come in the form of property tax exemptions, which can let you ignore the value of your solar system when paying taxes on your house. You could also look for exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits lower, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the government. These are different from tax deductions.
  • Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar system. Counties or states will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually come off your total price before tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: You can sign a net metering contract with your Selma utility company that will apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. They will then subtract this value from your utility bill each month.

Federal Solar Incentives

When you think about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. You might have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. The ITC is a tax credit equal to a predetermined percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.

The ITC initially applied to 30% of the cost of solar panel installation, although that number 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 accessories, equipment and labor. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.

To find out exactly how much the ITC could save you, contact your local Selma solar panel installer.

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 has increased the current credit up to 30% for solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032. After 2032, the credit percentage will see a slight decrease annually until the program expires in 2035. The expansion also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, beginning in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you is to reach out to your local Selma solar panel company with your questions.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Not all solar incentives are federal; tax credits, rebates and more are often offered at the local or state level. Incentives may be offered by the state of Texas, or by your county or municipality. Some incentives may be available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Selma

The expanding number of solar incentives available has helped tremendously increase the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the last 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from the Texas government, the federal government or your local utility company. Speak with your local solar panel installation expert today to find out more information and to save the most money possible on a solar system for your Selma home.

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EcoWatch's Selma, TX Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?

It's a good idea to talk to your local Selma solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Usually, 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, might have other requirements.

I already have solar panels installed. Are there any incentives that I qualify for?

An excellent idea would be to talk to someone from the company that installed your solar system — or call a local Selma solar installer — to learn about which incentives you might qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar panels installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, formerly called the ITC and now called the Clean Energy Credit, is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.

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

Yes, you can utilize multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of wind and solar. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. You should discuss your proposed plan with your local Selma solar panel installer, so that you understand what you'll need and what 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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