How to Get Free Solar Panels in Texas
Texas residents have quickly started to see the benefits of solar and have been transitioning more and more in the last few years. With more than 300+ sunny days per year and progressive Texas Solar Incentives, its no wonder so many home and business owners are ready to make the switch. But the question is, how much are solar panels in Texas? And can you get them installed for free?
The quick answer is yes. If you live in Texas, there is a good chance that you qualify to have free solar panels installed on your home or business. Enter your zip code to see which solar incentives & discounts your home qualifies for.
Enter your zip code to see if you qualify for solar incentives!
Do I Qualify?
Please enter a zip code
The Cost Of Solar Panels In Texas
For many people, one of the barriers to installing solar panels in Texas, is the perceived high cost of going solar. The truth is that the cost of solar panels in Texas has reduced over 50% in the last 10 years. On average, complete solar energy systems can cost anywhere from $10,000-$15,000 before solar incentives are applied. But this investment cost can be reduced in many ways, especially in The Lone Star State.
Fortunately, for Texans, Texas officials and lawmakers have done a great job incentivizing solar power for its citizens. Almost 5% of all the Electric in Texas is powered by solar. This is because solar panels are extremely effective in Texas and are a renewable source of energy. Which is better for the environment and helps reduce your dependency on local utility companies.
Understanding which solar incentives you can qualify for is vital to ensuring you save as much money as possible when investing in solar.
How to Save Money When Installing Solar Panels In Texas
Fortunately, You can save thousands of dollars on your solar panels with solar incentives in Texas. Therefore, understanding the Texas solar rebates, solar programs, and other Texas solar incentives is crucial.
Here are a few of the top solar incentives in Texas. If you don't have time to research all of the possible solar incentives, you can have a customized report of the solar incentives you qualify for, to save you time and money.
Get started with your free solar savings quote!
Power Purchase Agreements
One of the best ways to reduce or eliminate up front costs of solar panels is through Power Purchase Agreements or PPAs. This is an agreement with solar developer or solar installers, where they will take care of the financing and installation at little or no cost to the home owner. Then you purchase the electric provided by that solar system at a fixed rate, typically cheaper than your normal electric rate.
This is a great way to reduce your energy costs and protect yourself and your family from rising inflation rates. These agreements usually last anywhere from 10-20 years. After the agreement is up, you can extend the contract, remove the solar panels or buy them out at the discounted rate. Power Purchase agreements are just one of several way to get solar panels installed for free in Texas for qualifying homeowners.
The Federal Solar Tax Credit
The largest and most popular of the solar tax incentives is the federal solar investment tax credit, also known as the "Residential Clean Energy Credit" for Texas residents. This federal tax credit offers Texans 30% deductions from the total cost of their solar energy system. This includes the cost of your solar equipment, solar installations, and solar batteries.
You can apply for this tax credit with IRS Form 5695 along with your yearly tax returns. But it is strongly recommended that you consult with your local solar company to ensure you are not missing out on additional savings opportunities.
Get expert advice on Solar Panel Installation in Texas.
Texas Solar Buyback Programs For Your Excess Energy
In Texas, most home solar systems will generate more power than you will usually use during the day. This excess solar energy can be stored in a solar battery bank or sold to the Texas solar power grid, so that you can use it at a different time (at night or times of low sun exposure). In some states, the only way to do this is through Net Metering Programs. Net Metering or Net Energy metering is run by a local electric provider who will compensate you for your excess energy with Renewable Energy Credits. Which you can use to offset the cost of your monthly electric bill.
But in Texas, There are not established Net Metering Programs. So Retail Electric Providers (REPs), Electric Cooperatives, and Municipal Utilities offer solar buyback programs as an alternative. The concept is the same as Net Metering, with you being compensated for the excess solar energy your solar panels produce. This is a great way to further reduce your energy costs, especially in Texas with so many sunny days per year.
You can get solar panel energy supply through municipal utilities such as Austin Energy, Green Mountain Energy, TXU Energy, and others. Irrespective of your choice, you can reduce your electricity bills by receiving credits for every excess energy produced by your panels.
Statewide solar tax credits
One of the best Texas solar panel incentives is The Solar Property Tax exemption. With this statewide solar tax credit, you can enjoy the benefit of a higher property value, because of your new solar energy system, but NOT have to pay property taxes on it. That's right! If your home is valued at $300,000 and you add a $15,000 solar system. You still only pay taxes on the original home value. The cost of your solar panels are exempt from the additional taxes.
This solar incentive is not available in most states, which is another reason why it is so advantageous to invest in solar panels in Texas.
Return On Your Investment
One of the forgotten benefits of solar is the fact that solar energy systems can return 100% of their costs, making solar energy is a true investment. Most solar panel systems pay themselves off in 10-13 years. However, in Texas where there are more sunny days than most other states, solar panel systems can pay for themselves in less than 10 years!
After your solar panels save enough money to cover any upfront investment, it is pure profit after that. and most solar energy systems can last up to 30 years or more. By taking advantage of Texas solar incentives and solar rebate program for your solar panel installation, you can reduce your up front costs by thousands.
Enter your zip code to see if you qualify for solar incentives!
Do I Qualify?
Please enter a zip code
Transitioning to Solar Power in Texas
As you can see, there are many ways to reduce your solar panel costs or even get solar panels installed for free in Texas. If you would like more clarification about the ideal solar panel program, you can reach out to us at EcoGen America. We have been at the forefront of solar energy and solar savings programs in Texas for years. Our Texas solar experts are always available to guide and advise you on how to save costs on solar installation.
Contact us today to see what solar incentives you qualify for and how much you could save with Texas solar panels.
Get started with your free solar savings quote!
Yes, there are several Texas Solar Incentives and programs to help Texas home and business owners reduce or eliminate the up front cost of solar. Read more
The average cost of a complete home solar system in Texas is between $10,000-$15,000. But there are many ways to reduce or eliminate these up front costs. Read more.
