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Discover the Power of Solar Energy in Texas!

Welcome to Texas, a state renowned for its vast landscapes, dynamic culture, and as a burgeoning powerhouse in the solar energy sector. With one of the highest solar potentials in the country, Texas is at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution, offering endless opportunities for homeowners and businesses to tap into clean, sustainable power. The Lone Star State?s sunny climate, combined with significant investments in solar technology and supportive policies, has made solar installations increasingly attractive and financially viable. Texas? commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio not only helps reduce electricity costs for its residents but also positions the state as a leader in environmental sustainability. Learn how leveraging the power of the sun can light up your home, slash energy bills, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable Texas. Join us in capturing the boundless energy of the sun and stepping into a brighter, more sustainable future in Texas.

Solar State Incentives

Texas State Solar Incentives

City of Houston - Residential and Commercial Green Building Requirements
Houston City Council passed Ordinance No. 2014-5 in 2014, requiring new residential construction to be 15% more energy-efficient than 2009 IECC standards.
Oncor Electric Delivery - Commercial Solar Program
Oncor offers rebates to commercial customers who install new, grid-connected PV systems. Eligibility requirements apply.
Austin Energy - Commercial Solar PV Rebate Program
Austin Energy provides rebates for commercial and nonprofit customers using photovoltaic systems, promoting widespread solar energy adoption.
Austin Energy - Multifamily Solar PV Rebate Program
Austin Energy offers incentives for multifamily and nonprofit property owners to install solar PV systems, promoting renewable energy practices.
City of San Antonio - Sec. 35-398. - Renewable Energy Systems
Small wind energy and solar farm systems have specific permitting regulations in various zoning districts in San Antonio, Texas, per the Unified Development Code.
Garland Power & Light - EnergySaver Solar Rebate Program
Garland Power and Light offers residential customers utility bill credits for installing solar panels. Apply before installation for approval.
Austin Energy - Value of Solar Rate
Austin City Council enacted changes to the Value of Solar Tariff in 2014 including allowing solar credits to roll over annually and removing a 20 kW system size cap.
City of El Paso - Green Building Policy for Municipal Buildings
El Paso City Council enforces Sustainable Design Standards for all new city buildings over 5,000 square feet to achieve at least LEED Silver certification.
City of Houston - Residential and Commercial Green Building Requirements
Houston is dedicated to creating a sustainable, energy-efficient environment through key residential and commercial ordinances and code adoptions.
City of Fort Worth - Residential and Commercial Green Building Requirements
Fort Worth city adopted the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) in 2011, promoting energy efficiency in construction. Currently, it implements the 2015 IECC for residential buildings and offers a dual-code approach for commercial projects.
San Antonio City Public Service (CPS Energy) - Net Metering
CPS Energy's net metering program offers flexibility and inclusivity, without capacity limits or extra charges. Rebates and fair compensation for surplus energy promote renewable energy adoption.
El Paso Electric Company - Net Metering
El Paso Electric (EPE) offers net metering to distributed renewable generation owners. Conditions include a facility capacity of 50 kW or less and generation equal to or less than annual consumption.
TXU - Commercial Energy Efficiency Program
The TXU GreenBack program offers rebates to incentivize energy-efficient improvements in facilities, leading to long-term savings and increased sustainability.
City of Plano - Smart Energy Loan Program
Plano City partners with the Department of Energy and BTH Bank to offer a loan program for energy-efficient home improvements.
City of San Marcos - Distributed Generation Rebate Program
San Marcos offers a Rebate Program for grid-tied renewable energy systems, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability among its utility customers.
Texas Solar Rights
HOAs in Texas cannot prohibit solar energy device installations unless they violate health and safety laws, are on common property, do not follow roofline guidelines, or lack prior approval.
City of Houston - Property Tax Abatement for Green Commercial Buildings
Houston City Council renews tax abatement program for LEED-certified commercial buildings until May 2024. New facilities with cost over $3m are eligible.
Required Energy Efficiency Goals
Texas was the first state to establish an Energy Efficiency Resource Standard, aiming for utilities to meet 10% of its annual electricity growth through efficiency. It now requires utilities to reduce energy usage and demand by 30% of the annual growth in peak demand.
City of Brenham - Net Metering
Brenham City adopts net metering and interconnection procedures in 2010, allowing customer generators up to 10MW to participate, with special provisions for those with systems 20kW or less.
Green Mountain Energy Renewable Rewards Program
Green Mountain Energy offers a Renewable Rewards buy-back program to Texas customers who generate electricity from solar or wind systems, crediting excess energy back to the consumer.
Austin Energy - Commercial Solar PV Incentive Program
Austin Energy's innovative solar incentive programs offer financial rewards to commercial customers for adopting renewable energy, driving sustainability and cost-reduction.
CenterPoint Energy - SCORE and CitySmart Program
CenterPoint Energy's SCORE and CitySmart Programs promote energy efficiency, offering incentives for upgrades and providing support for new construction and retrofit projects.
City of Sunset Valley - PV Rebate Program
Sunset Valley offers financial incentives to residents for adopting solar PV systems, supplementing the Austin Energy rebate program, with rebates up to $3,000.
AEP Texas North Company - SMART Source Solar PV Rebate Program
AEP-TNC offers rebates for customers installing photovoltaic systems. Residential customers get a fixed incentive, while commercial customers get a tiered one.
AEP Texas Central Company - SMART Source Solar PV Rebate Program
AEP-TCC offers rebates to customers installing photovoltaic systems, with varying incentive levels based on residential or commercial use and system size.
New Braunfels Utilities - Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation Rebate Programs
New Braunfels Utilities launches an extensive rebate initiative to promote energy efficiency among residential and commercial customers, offering incentives for various eco-friendly practices.
Oncor Electric Delivery - Residential Solar Program
Oncor Electric Delivery Company in Texas encourages solar energy adoption among residents with their Rebate Program, offering rebates for solar PV system installations.
Oncor Electric Delivery - Commercial Standard Offer Rebate Program
Oncor's Commercial Standard Offer Program offers incentives to install energy-efficient measures, with rewards based on kilowatt and kilowatt-hour savings. Projects must exceed state/federal guidelines.
City of Plano - Green Building Policy for Municipal Buildings
City of Plano adopted a sustainable policy in 2007, focusing on green construction, energy efficiency, waste reduction and water conservation in its facilities.
City of Houston - Green Building Policy for Municipal Buildings
Since 2004, Houston has required municipal buildings over 10,000 sqft to follow LEED guidelines to the "greatest extent practical and reasonable."
CPS Energy - Solar Hot Water Rebate Program
CPS Energy offers rebates for solar water heaters, calculated based on estimated annual savings, with a maximum rebate of $2,000.
CPS Energy - Solar PV Rebate Program
CPS Energy offers solar PV system rebates to commercial customers in San Antonio, with Tranche 3 funding available as of March 2023.
City of Austin - Green Power Purchasing
Austin, ranked 6th on the EPA Green Power list, powers all city-owned buildings with renewable energy and aims for net zero emissions by 2050.
City of Austin - Residential and Commercial Green Building Requirements
Austin has robust energy efficiency codes and programs, including regulations for new and existing buildings, and a green building rating system for sustainability.
City of Dallas - Green Building Policy for Municipal Buildings (Energy Efficiency Requirements)
Since 2003, Dallas requires all new municipal buildings over 10,000 sq. ft. to meet US Green Building Council's LEED Silver Certification standards, promoting eco-friendly construction.
CenterPoint Energy - Residential and Hard-to-Reach Energy Efficiency
CenterPoint Energy offers rebate incentives for energy efficiency measures in Houston area, Texas. Measures include weatherization, insulation, water-saving devices, and advanced lighting.
CenterPoint Energy - Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Programs
CenterPoint Energy in Houston, Texas, pays incentives for energy efficiency measures in commercial and industrial facilities. Eligibility is based on peak demand.
San Antonio City Public Service (CPS Energy) - Renewable Portfolio Goal
San Antonio's CPS Energy met its renewable energy goal early and now pursues the city's emission reduction targets. The utility focuses on wind, solar, and landfill gas generation.
City of Austin - Green Building Policy for Municipal Buildings
Austin City Council mandates all future building projects to meet LEED Silver standards, promoting energy conservation and high-quality environment.
Denton Municipal Electric - Residential GreenSense Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Denton Municipal Electric offers rebates and incentives to customers reducing energy demand, with benefits for energy efficiency upgrades, electric vehicles, and solar PV.
CPS Energy (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
CPS Energy offers various rebates for energy efficiency improvements in residential, commercial and industrial facilities. Requirements vary by technology.
Texas-New Mexico Power Company - SCORE/CitySmart & Commercial Solutions Market Transformation Programs
TNMP offers Commercial Solutions Program for non-residential customers, CitySmart for government customers, SCORE for educational institutions, and a Small Business Program for equipment upgrades.
Texas Gas Service - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Texas Gas Service offers financial incentives for commercial customers who purchase and install energy-efficient equipment, with certain rebates specific to service areas.
Texas Gas Service - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Texas Gas Service offers rebates and incentives for energy-efficient appliances to residential customers and contractors in central Texas.
LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Program
The Texas LoanSTAR program offers low-interest loans for energy-saving projects at public institutions. Over $545 million in loans have been funded as of May 2020.
Austin Energy - Residential Solar PV Rebate Program
Rebates for solar systems require installation by approved contractors, adherence to technical requirements, and completion of a solar education course.
City of Austin - Renewables Portfolio Standard
Austin, Texas aims for 65% renewables by 2025, and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, with strategies including solar incentives and fast response storage technologies.
Interconnection Standards
Texas Public Utility Regulatory Act of 1999 allows customer access to on-site distributed generation. Interconnection rules and requirements are outlined in a manual by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Mandatory Renewable Energy Educational Materials
Texas utilities must educate customers on renewable energy options when requiring construction contributions, pre-payment, or long-term contracts.
Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption
Texas law offers 100% tax exemption on increased property value from installation of solar or wind-powered energy devices for on-site use.
Solar and Wind Energy Business Franchise Tax Exemption
Texas exempts companies in solar or wind energy business from franchise tax, with no upper limit, encouraging these industries.

Federal Solar Incentives

USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
REAP, administered by USDA, provides financial aid to small rural businesses and agricultural producers for sustainable energy projects. Grants cover 25% of the project cost, up to $25 million.
Interconnection Standards for Small Generators
New FERC order mandates small generators under 20 MW to maintain operation during abnormal frequency and voltage events, enhancing interconnection efficiency.
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports agricultural producers and rural businesses in the US by providing financial aid for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) were used by public entities to fund renewable energy projects. They were repealed in 2017.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) financed energy projects by local governments. Discontinued in 2018, they offered tax credits as interest to bondholders.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities
The DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs aids tribes in attaining energy self-sufficiency and economic growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program
Fannie Mae's Green Financing offers loans for multifamily properties aiming for energy and water efficiency improvements. Eligible properties can access favorable rates and additional loan proceeds.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Energy efficient mortgages (EEM) allow homeowners to finance energy-saving renovations or purchase new energy-efficient homes. These loans, insured by the U.S. government, aim to promote energy efficiency.
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set a goal for federal buildings to use 7.5% renewable energy by 2013. This target was increased to 30% by 2025 but later rescinded in 2018.
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program
USDA's grant program, enhancing energy generation in rural areas, concluded its latest application period on July 6, 2021. Updates can be found on the program website.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
US law exempts energy conservation subsidies provided by utilities from taxation but requires adjustments for federal tax credits. IRS guidance on solar rebates is unclear.
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
H.R. 5376 extends tax credit for energy storage systems and excludes biomass heaters, with credit amounts varying by technology type and installation date.
U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program
The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated $11.7 billion to the LPO for new loans, boosting loan authority by $100 billion, and setting up the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program.
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 updates the federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, introducing new eligibility criteria, bonus credits, and transitions the tax credit to a new section.
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduces changes to the federal renewable electricity production tax credit, introducing new bonus credits and eligibility criteria.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)
U.S. energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities are tax-exempt, but this does not extend to certain electricity-generating systems. Tax credits can't be claimed for unsubsidized expenses.
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows 100% depreciation for qualified assets, impacting renewable energy technologies. MACRS classifies these technologies for depreciation purposes.
Energy and Emissions Goals and Standards for Federal Government
President Biden's Executive Order 14057 sets ambitious sustainability goals for the US, including 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and a fully zero-emission federal fleet by 2035.