2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Leander, TX - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Leander.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Leander?
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
Austin Energy - Residential Solar PV Rebate Program
Austin Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Package Unit AC/Heat Pump: $200 - $550
Mini-Split AC/Heat Pump: $250 - $800
AC Tune-Up: $175, max of 5 systems
Pool Pumps: $300 per pump replaced
Heat Pump Water Heater: $800
Smart Thermostat: $25/unit, plus $85 for participating in the Power Partner Thermostat smart energy savings program
Window Air Conditioners: $50 per unit
Weatherization Bonus: Up to $2,400
Solar Screens/Solar Film: $1.00/sq. ft.
Attic Insulation to R-38: varies by original R-value
Duct Replacement: $3.25/sq. ft.
Duct Insulation: $1.00/sq. ft.
Duct System Performance Testing: $200 - first system, $100 each additional system/ $75.00 per new return air improvement (max 3 per system)
External Combustion Air: $20 each
Air Infiltration and Duct Sealing: $0.12/sq. ft.
Total External Static Pressure: $175 for first system, $100 for additional
Return Air/Supply Grilles: $5 each
Improve Supply and/or Return Plenum: $75 each
Additional Attic Access: $25
Insulated Box for Pull Down Stairs: $25
Fan Cover: $25
Pedernales Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Heat Pump: $250/unit
Ground Source Heat Pump: $250/Ton
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $250
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. These financial incentives are intended to encourage more Americans to convert their home partially or fully to renewable energy. Solar incentives could include cash back, upfront discounts or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, some by the state of Texas and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are usually given prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Rebates might be provided by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much income tax you owe the federal government.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in one of two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, applied at the time you purchase your 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 home.
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Leander utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you may make back a percentage of the value.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar incentives. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the most commonly known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a set percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC applies to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. Initially, the credit applied to 30% of the total cost – for panels, labor, accessories and equipment – although it may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
Curious how the ITC might apply to your specific situation? Reach out to your local Leander solar panel installer to get more information.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, added more provisions to the ITC (as well as renaming it to the Clean Energy Credit). Homeowners can now receive a credit of 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed before the end of 2032. The percentage will then begin to decrease on a yearly basis until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Leander solar panel company is the best resource for answering your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are often also state solar incentives in addition to those provided by the federal government. Rebates, tax credits and more can be offered at a more local level. These solar incentives — which might be provided by your county or municipality, or by the state of Texas — could be offered on an ongoing basis, or for only a limited time.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Leander
The nationwide use of solar energy has gone up tremendously in the last 15 years, in part due to the proliferation of solar incentives. You may get these incentives from the federal government, the Texas government or your local utility company. Your local Leander solar panel installation company can help you learn more about which incentives you may qualify for, and get you feeling good about making the change to renewable energy today.
EcoWatch's Leander, TX Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I learn if I qualify for different 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 ones handled by the Texas government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Get in touch with your local Leander solar installer to find out what incentives your project may qualify for.
What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?
To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to Leander's best solar panel companies.
What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my home?
Solar energy is renewable — by switching where you get your energy, you help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. Solar panels can also lower the CO2 emissions from your home by 400 pounds a year, or roughly 8,000 pounds in 20 years.
Can I use both solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of solar and geothermal. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. Make sure that you discuss your proposed plan with your local Leander solar installation expert, to get an understanding of what will be needed and what incentives you will or won't 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.