Texas has a population of over 29 million people, making it the second most populous state. With its abundance of sunshine, Texas has been ranked among the Top 10 Solar States in 2017. Texas’ solar installations today produce enough electricity to power over 935,000 households.
Solar energy is a growing benefit for residents in Texas’ five largest cities. Each city has more than 800,000. In the last 10 years, prices have dropped by more than 70%. This has made the installation of PV systems more affordable.
What Is the Cost of Solar Panels in Texas’ Major Cities?
The costs of installing solar systems are similar in the five largest cities in Texas: Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth. A typical 6 kW solar system costs around $16,000 without incentives. The cost of a typical 6 kW system drops to around $11,200 once you apply the federal tax credit!
The cost of solar energy in Texas is comparable to the average national price for solar. The average price for a 6-kilowatt residential solar system in the U.S. is $17,000 before any incentives.
What Tax Rebates and Credits Are Available to Residents of Different Areas in Texas?
Rebates, credits, and incentives are available in different cities to help homeowners reduce their home prices. You can apply for some of these options.
Incentives from the federal and state governments
The federal tax credit for solar energy (also known as the Investment Tax Credit, or ITC) allows you to receive a 30% tax credit on the cost of your solar PV system. The credit covers both labor and equipment costs. The system you install may qualify for an exemption from property taxes. These incentives are available to homeowners in major cities. The 30% ITC, or Residential Renewable Tax Credit, is not affected by the state-level incentives that homeowners may be eligible for.
Austin
Austin Energy supports more than 6,300 residential solar projects, in addition to multiple commercial, municipal, and school projects. The City of Austin has a Residential Solar Rebate Program that requires homeowners to take a solar education class and install a PV system at their home. The course will earn you $2,500 and help you make informed decisions, lower your energy bills, and improve the environment.
Houston
In Houston, the average cost of a PV system is 2.83 cents per watt. This works out to be $16,980 based on the 6 kW system, before incentives. Reliant, TXU, and Amigo Energy provide net metering credits in addition to the ITC.
Dallas
Farmers Electric Cooperative members can receive a rebate of up to $1,000 on energy-efficient upgrades. As long as all requirements are met, the rebate will be provided the year after installation.
Oncor offers incentives to participating service providers within its region, which can be used to offset the cost of solar systems and batteries.
This post was written by Daniel Massaad, owner and expert solar technician at Energy Solutions Direct! ESD is the top choice for solar panels in Clearwater! Our licensed and certified contractors are masters of their craft; with years of experience servicing the great Tampa Bay area and beyond, the choice is simple. ESD excels at offering you the best in solar value!