2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Wimberley, TX - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Wimberley.
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 Wimberley?
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
Pedernales Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Heat Pump: $250/unit
Ground Source Heat Pump: $250/Ton
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $250
City of San Marcos - Distributed Generation Rebate Program
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives for individuals who install solar panels on their homes. Different types of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the state of Texas, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Net Metering: Make sure you speak with your Wimberley utility company about signing a net metering contract. This allows you to get a credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You may receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar system. States or counties will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. The value of a rebate will usually come off your total price before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much income tax you owe the federal government.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are effective at the point of sale for your solar system. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the value added by your solar system when calculating how much property tax you need to pay.
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. A federal incentive many people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a specified percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC can be applied to a solar system installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels must have been installed after January 1, 2006 on a property you own for you to be eligible for the credit. The ITC originally paid out 30% of all system costs (panels, equipment, accessories and labor), although this amount has fluctuated over the years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you are eligible for. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
Reaching out to your local Wimberley solar panel installation expert is the best way to learn more about how the ITC applies to you.
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 lasts until 2035. Any solar installation project that is completed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit; this amount will decrease slightly each year until the current program ends. Starting in 2023, the program expansion will also make claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you is to get in touch with your local Wimberley solar panel installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are often also state solar incentives in addition to those provided by the federal government. Tax credits, rebates and more might be available at a more local level. Incentives may be given by your county or municipality, or by the state of Texas. Some incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Wimberley
Nationwide solar energy use has significantly increased in the past 15 years, in part thanks to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You can obtain these incentives from the Texas government, the federal government or your local utility company. Speaking with your local Wimberley solar panel installation company is the best first step towards getting all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.
EcoWatch's Wimberley, TX Solar Incentives FAQs
Can I claim incentives for adding solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?
While we recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives will apply to a second home, as long as it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available for commercial properties specifically, depending on the details.
How can I learn if I qualify for certain solar incentives?
Typically, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar panel system
- installed on property that you own
- within the U.S.
- within the date range specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including those run by the Texas government or by your county/municipality, could have additional qualifications. Speak with your local Wimberley solar installer to find out what incentives your project will qualify for.
I already have solar panels. Are there any incentives that I qualify for?
If your solar system was installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you had your system installed between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the date of installation. Speaking with the company that installed your solar system, or any local Wimberley solar installer, can help you understand what incentives you qualify for.
I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for several incentives meant to reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I receive incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are applying for, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming incentives correctly 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.