2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Stafford, TX - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Stafford.
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 Stafford?
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/
Solar incentives are intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives for those who install solar panels on their homes. You may be eligible for several kinds of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Texas government and others from the federal government. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Rebates: Solar rebates might be offered by your state or county, or by your local utility company. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after you pay for a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, which is 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 calculating property tax for your house.
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Stafford utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some places, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you may make back a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
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. An incentive many people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, and allows you to deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, equipment, accessories and labor. You can receive this credit for solar panels installed on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The original amount you could claim was 30% of the total cost, although depending on when the project was completed, your credit may range from 26-30%. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
Curious how the ITC might apply to your specific situation? Reach out to your local Stafford solar panel installation expert to get more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. The new Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. American homeowners can now apply for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032. The total credit will then see a slight annual decrease until the date of expiration. The program expansion also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, beginning in 2023.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Stafford solar panel installation expert is the best person to answer your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it will apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also provided at the state and local level. As with federal incentives, these might include rebates, tax credits and more. 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 Stafford
Solar energy use nationwide has gone up significantly in the last 15 years, in part thanks to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You may get these incentives from your local utility company, the Texas government or the federal government. Talking to your local Stafford solar panel installer is the best first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.
EcoWatch's Stafford, TX Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for certain solar incentives?
It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Stafford solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Usually, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, such as those provided by the Texas government, might have additional requirements.
If I installed solar panels on my house a few years ago, can I still claim incentives?
If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you had your system installed between 2006 and 2021, you may qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the exact installation date. Talking to the company that installed your system, or any local Stafford solar installer, can help you learn what incentives you can apply for.
How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I install solar panels on my Stafford home?
Generally, homeowners in Stafford who install solar panels save about $975.02 per year, or approximately $19,500.31 over 20 years after they make the switch.
What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my house?
Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by switching where you get your energy, you can help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. You can also reduce your home's CO2 emissions by 400 pounds annually, or roughly 8,000 pounds in 20 years.
Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can use 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. You should discuss your plan with your local Stafford solar installation expert, to get an understanding of what will be needed 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.