2023 Solar Incentives Guide for West University Place, TX - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in West University Place.
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 West University Place solar installers to see how much you can save.
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Updated May 04, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in West University Place?
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 wide range of financial incentives designed to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. These incentives might include upfront discounts, cash back or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are given by the federal government, some by the Texas government and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in one of two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, which is applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to ignore the added value of your solar system when paying property tax on your house.
- Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your West University Place utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you may make back a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: Solar rebates may be offered by your local utility company, or by your state or county. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after you purchase solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the most well-known federal solar incentive. The ITC allows you to claim a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC initially applied to 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 labor, equipment and accessories. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC applies 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.
To find out exactly how much money the ITC could save you, get in touch with your local West University Place solar panel installation expert.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, expanded and extended the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). With the new provisions, solar installation projects that are completed between 2022 and 2032 may be eligible for a 30% tax credit. This percentage will then decrease slightly each year until the current Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you, reach out to your local West University Place solar installation company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also provided by state and local governments. Like with federal incentives, these might include rebates, tax credits and more. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are only available for a limited time. These incentives may be given by your county or municipality, or by the Texas government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in West University Place
Nationwide solar energy use has gone up significantly in the past 15 years, in part thanks to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Texas government. Reaching out to your local West University Place solar panel installation expert is the best first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.
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 West University Place, TX Solar Incentives FAQs
What if I want to add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Do I still qualify for incentives?
Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property you own that is located within the United States; most secondary residences will fall under this distinction. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what incentives will apply to your specific situation.
How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I add solar panels to my West University Place home?
Typically, homeowners in West University Place who install solar panels save about $972.90 per year, or about $19,457.96 over 20 years after they make the switch.
What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?
To find the right solar panel installer for you, check out our guide to West University Place's best solar panel companies.
If I trade in my appliances for ones that use solar energy, are there benefits that I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act provides several incentives designed to 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 use both solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
You can power your home with multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy. Make sure you talk through your ideas with your local West University Place solar installer. They can help you as you plan for your project and also help you understand 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.