There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
The past few years have taught Texans a valuable lesson about their electricity system: it's not prepared to handle weather emergencies like record snow and cold, meaning you and your neighbors might get left without power, or with a huge electric bill for the month.
More renewable energy could help the state as a whole, but to help yourself if something like this happens again, you'll need some solar panels on your roof along with batteries to store the energy they make for use when the grid goes down.
Fortunately, for those who live in Oncor service territory and Austin, there are some rebates available to help reduce the cost of going solar for you. Furthermore, most of the state's residents will be able to sign up for something like net metering, either from your local power company or one of the statewide retail electric providers (REPs) out there.
On this page, we cover all of the solar incentives, rebates, and tax credits available for your Texas home solar installation. We suggest you use the Texas solar incentives calculator above as well. It allows you to drill down and show only the solar incentives that are applicable where you live.
Learn what solar incentives are available to Texas homeowners
See what Texas solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or Texas solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Texas
If you install your photovoltaic system before the end of 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor, and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 30% = $6,000.
The federal tax credit falls to 26% starting in 2033.
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
Net metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume, and make sure you get credit for the surplus.
Net metering in Texas is spotty. While there is no statewide net metering law here, in most populated places in the state, you can find either a municipal electric company that offers net metering or a Retail Electric Provider (REP) like Reliant Energy, that will buy your extra solar output for a price lower than the retail rate of electricity.
But, not all REPs offer solar buyback programs. In fact, most don't, and the ones that do usually don't pay you full price for excess solar energy. This means you have to shop around and see if there are any REPs that service your area that also have some form of a solar buyback program. Luckily, we have a complete guide that lists all of the REPs in Texas that have solar plans, and what kind of solar savings those plans provide.
Places with regulated utilities, like Austin, Brenham, or San Antonio, all offer some form of net metering for their residential customers. In some cases, they even offer solar rebates.
Texas lacks any statewide rebate program. Most folks in the state get to choose an electric company through the state's open energy marketplace, and not one of those companies wants to help finance your solar installation. However, those that live in Oncor's service area can receive a rebate of $2,500 when they install solar panels with a solar battery, no matter what retail electric provider they choose.
Those of you lucky enough to live in a place with a municipal electric company may have good options. For example, Austin Energy offers a $2,500 rebate for people who want to install solar panels, and all you have to do is take an online class and pass a quiz to get the money sent to your installer. Pretty sweet deal!
Texas lawmakers have come through with a solid solar property tax exemption. When you install that shiny new solar power system, the resulting increase in home value is exempt from 100% of the resulting property tax increase.
Solar panels will increase the value of your Texas home by roughly 70% of system costs. So while the value of your home will go up, your property taxes won’t.
Example: If your solar system costs $20,000, your estimated property value increase of $14,000 will be tax-exempt.
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 9.6kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
180 solar companies in Texas provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.88 157 Reviews
Margaret S, 1 day ago
Affordable has been very nice to work with. Personable and professional. It’s good to have a local company for solar because they were quick to get out and available when needed.
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Margaret S, 1 day ago
Affordable has been very nice to work with. Personable and professional. It’s good to have a local company for solar because they were quick to get out and available when needed.
4.83 478 Reviews
Pradeep Nadella, 1 day ago
EHS team has been professional and diligent throughout the quote to install process. The turnaround times for each phase has been great. It was great working with Rafael and Brian.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$17,000 ($3.40 per watt)
Pradeep Nadella, 1 day ago
EHS team has been professional and diligent throughout the quote to install process. The turnaround times for each phase has been great. It was great working with Rafael and Brian.
4.79 68 Reviews
Wayne M, 1 week ago
We have in the past tried to be eco friendly for us today and our children and their children. After the winter freeze 2 years ago with loss of power and the summer of 22 being such a drain on the grid, the decision was made to go solar. I had the big name co. bids but they were more about monthly payments and FREE light bulbs and security systems. 80K for one system. I researched them and locals, attaining 7 different bids both off grid and grid tie. I went with Rudy because he listened and gave me technical advice regarding the best cost per kWh, enabling me to make a good decision. I upgraded the panel quality after doing extensive research. I feel satisfied Rudy and his crew are the best option in East Texas. Our home is 4years old and well insulated so this will save some money but so far we have put more kWh into the grid than we have used. Enough said. Thanks Rudy
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Average cost (5kW system)
$11,000 ($2.20 per watt)
Wayne M, 1 week ago
We have in the past tried to be eco friendly for us today and our children and their children. After the winter freeze 2 years ago with loss of power and the summer of 22 being such a drain on the grid, the decision was made to go solar. I had the big name co. bids but they were more about monthly payments and FREE light bulbs and security systems. 80K for one system. I researched them and locals, attaining 7 different bids both off grid and grid tie. I went with Rudy because he listened and gave me technical advice regarding the best cost per kWh, enabling me to make a good decision. I upgraded the panel quality after doing extensive research. I feel satisfied Rudy and his crew are the best option in East Texas. Our home is 4years old and well insulated so this will save some money but so far we have put more kWh into the grid than we have used. Enough said. Thanks Rudy
4.79 179 Reviews
Sara, over 1 month
This company runs on high pressure sales tactics and over inflated prices. Their strategy is to corner you in your house, presenting their offer as extremely marked down (45k to 35k) with sales incentives that are available if you sign up right now. After signing their contract, I got competing bids from other companies and received quotes of 22k for the same exact KwH set up for my house with higher quality panels. A.S.S. also dodged my questions about the cost, and radio silenced me when I decided to cancel my contract within my legal window. I would not recommend this company at all. Please do your research and get a wide variety of quotes before moving forward with a solar project.
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Sara, over 1 month
This company runs on high pressure sales tactics and over inflated prices. Their strategy is to corner you in your house, presenting their offer as extremely marked down (45k to 35k) with sales incentives that are available if you sign up right now. After signing their contract, I got competing bids from other companies and received quotes of 22k for the same exact KwH set up for my house with higher quality panels. A.S.S. also dodged my questions about the cost, and radio silenced me when I decided to cancel my contract within my legal window. I would not recommend this company at all. Please do your research and get a wide variety of quotes before moving forward with a solar project.
4.74 141 Reviews
Kristina, over 1 month
We do not recommend Solar CenTex. This is our experience with Solar CenTex. We first came across Solar CenTex at a home and garden show in Bell County. We signed a contract with them in 2018 to have ground mount solar panel array installed behind our home. This project went well, and our system was inspected and commissioned in October. It was not fully operational per the contract until 14 November 2018 because there was a portion of the project that failed to function as specified in the contract. After a month of back and forth, a relatively minor issue was resolved. That system worked well for us after the initial problems were resolved but, we later sold that house, moved and wanted to do solar at our new home. This time, we wanted a grid tied, battery backup so we reached out to sales at Solar CenTex. Sales and the installation crew have saved this from being a 1-star review. The paperwork, contracts and first check for $7k were complete by early July, 2021. The install crew started designing our ground mount carport solar panel array with SolarEdge inverters and LG batteries. All the contracts and electric co-op forms were signed by mid July, 2021 and the install work began in late August/early September of 2021. By the end of September, we believed our system was fully operational and all the necessary paperwork had been handed off to the appropriate agencies. Checks for more than $70k had been cashed by Solar CenTex, the project was complete, per the contract. Not actually the case. We did not find out until 28 April 2022 (contacted by our electric co-op because our meter read very low usage) that we did not have the correct meter installed, the electric co-op did not have a record of our solar and they had not inspected the grid tied install. I spoke with Solar CenTex and they did not share with me why the process was left incomplete. I sent the signed short forms to our electric co-op via e-mail and got on their schedule for an inspection. Our solar install was properly documented and commissioned through the electric co-op on 28 May 2022. Another issue has been with the SolarEdge monitoring app. We were having regular conversations with Solar CenTex about the lack of access to change the battery charging/discharge levels through the SolarEdge app software. We were not able to adjust charging/discharge levels and had to call Solar CenTex prior to weather events and rely on them to adjust the discharge capacity of our batteries. We were disappointed to have installed a system that could only be controlled by the installer. At the time (June 2022) Solar CenTex suggested we had a communication intermittency issue. I asked if that was an issue with cell service and Solar CenTex (owner) replied, “yes the cell service from the inverter.” I contacted SolarEdge directly that evening and the app issue was resolved on 4 June 2022. Solar CenTex (warranty rep) suggested I contact SolarEdge directly and I later let Solar CenTex know when the manufacturer was able to resolve our problem. The install was physically complete in September 2021. We did not have control of this system and its charging capabilities until 4 June of 2022 and on 28 May 2022, we were inspected and properly metered/sanctioned to operate, as a grid tied system, by the electric co-op. Solar CenTex was notified, and no explanation was offered regarding either issue. Where we are now: In December (8 December2022) we noticed half of our system was not producing power or charging the batteries. After working with Solar CenTex, it was determined that the comm card failed. On 20 December Solar CenTex (install crew) came out and installed a comm card Solar CenTex thought might work but turned out to be incompatible with our inverter. Solar CenTex was trying to help get us up and running at full capacity before a cold snap over the Christmas week. Presently (27 January 2023) our system is still working at half of its purchased capability. Before Christmas, we were led to believe the part was on order but hadn’t been shipped from the manufacturer. We have been informed we have an “RMA number” and the part has been approved but no part is available. We have asked to be kept informed regarding when our $70K grid tied, solar equipment will be fully functional. In conclusion of my review of Solar CenTex we have seen a downward trend in their customer service since we first interacted with them in 2018. After the physical install is complete, their attitude toward customers is poor. We hope this is an isolated performance issue on this install and that others have not experienced this many failures in their relationship with Solar CenTex.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$13,000 ($2.60 per watt)
Kristina, over 1 month
We do not recommend Solar CenTex. This is our experience with Solar CenTex. We first came across Solar CenTex at a home and garden show in Bell County. We signed a contract with them in 2018 to have ground mount solar panel array installed behind our home. This project went well, and our system was inspected and commissioned in October. It was not fully operational per the contract until 14 November 2018 because there was a portion of the project that failed to function as specified in the contract. After a month of back and forth, a relatively minor issue was resolved. That system worked well for us after the initial problems were resolved but, we later sold that house, moved and wanted to do solar at our new home. This time, we wanted a grid tied, battery backup so we reached out to sales at Solar CenTex. Sales and the installation crew have saved this from being a 1-star review. The paperwork, contracts and first check for $7k were complete by early July, 2021. The install crew started designing our ground mount carport solar panel array with SolarEdge inverters and LG batteries. All the contracts and electric co-op forms were signed by mid July, 2021 and the install work began in late August/early September of 2021. By the end of September, we believed our system was fully operational and all the necessary paperwork had been handed off to the appropriate agencies. Checks for more than $70k had been cashed by Solar CenTex, the project was complete, per the contract. Not actually the case. We did not find out until 28 April 2022 (contacted by our electric co-op because our meter read very low usage) that we did not have the correct meter installed, the electric co-op did not have a record of our solar and they had not inspected the grid tied install. I spoke with Solar CenTex and they did not share with me why the process was left incomplete. I sent the signed short forms to our electric co-op via e-mail and got on their schedule for an inspection. Our solar install was properly documented and commissioned through the electric co-op on 28 May 2022. Another issue has been with the SolarEdge monitoring app. We were having regular conversations with Solar CenTex about the lack of access to change the battery charging/discharge levels through the SolarEdge app software. We were not able to adjust charging/discharge levels and had to call Solar CenTex prior to weather events and rely on them to adjust the discharge capacity of our batteries. We were disappointed to have installed a system that could only be controlled by the installer. At the time (June 2022) Solar CenTex suggested we had a communication intermittency issue. I asked if that was an issue with cell service and Solar CenTex (owner) replied, “yes the cell service from the inverter.” I contacted SolarEdge directly that evening and the app issue was resolved on 4 June 2022. Solar CenTex (warranty rep) suggested I contact SolarEdge directly and I later let Solar CenTex know when the manufacturer was able to resolve our problem. The install was physically complete in September 2021. We did not have control of this system and its charging capabilities until 4 June of 2022 and on 28 May 2022, we were inspected and properly metered/sanctioned to operate, as a grid tied system, by the electric co-op. Solar CenTex was notified, and no explanation was offered regarding either issue. Where we are now: In December (8 December2022) we noticed half of our system was not producing power or charging the batteries. After working with Solar CenTex, it was determined that the comm card failed. On 20 December Solar CenTex (install crew) came out and installed a comm card Solar CenTex thought might work but turned out to be incompatible with our inverter. Solar CenTex was trying to help get us up and running at full capacity before a cold snap over the Christmas week. Presently (27 January 2023) our system is still working at half of its purchased capability. Before Christmas, we were led to believe the part was on order but hadn’t been shipped from the manufacturer. We have been informed we have an “RMA number” and the part has been approved but no part is available. We have asked to be kept informed regarding when our $70K grid tied, solar equipment will be fully functional. In conclusion of my review of Solar CenTex we have seen a downward trend in their customer service since we first interacted with them in 2018. After the physical install is complete, their attitude toward customers is poor. We hope this is an isolated performance issue on this install and that others have not experienced this many failures in their relationship with Solar CenTex.
4.73 54 Reviews
Bill Benninghoff, over 1 month
We are very pleased with our new solar installation from Solartime USA. We researched getting solar panels on the roof of our three bedroom home here in Arlington, Texas for over one year before deciding to move forward with Solartime. We talked with numerous companies and learned a great deal about the various options over that year. We were very impressed with Martyna from Solartime and the way she patiently answered all of our questions without pushing us to make a purchase. All the people we worked with from Solartime were top notch, from the salespeople to the installers to the billing experts and customer service reps. Our 13.7 kW system was installed in March 2022 and since then we have paid $0 in electric bills! In fact we have a credit with our electric company right now in July of 2022 since we've put back more power to the grid than we have consumed. We are very happy that in these days of rising energy prices our energy price will remain fixed since we locked it in by going solar. The warranty coverage on the system is also great. I highly recommend their honesty, integrity and excellence in sizing and installing your system! (Don't forget about the 26% federal tax credit which you can get if you install your system in 2022).
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Bill Benninghoff, over 1 month
We are very pleased with our new solar installation from Solartime USA. We researched getting solar panels on the roof of our three bedroom home here in Arlington, Texas for over one year before deciding to move forward with Solartime. We talked with numerous companies and learned a great deal about the various options over that year. We were very impressed with Martyna from Solartime and the way she patiently answered all of our questions without pushing us to make a purchase. All the people we worked with from Solartime were top notch, from the salespeople to the installers to the billing experts and customer service reps. Our 13.7 kW system was installed in March 2022 and since then we have paid $0 in electric bills! In fact we have a credit with our electric company right now in July of 2022 since we've put back more power to the grid than we have consumed. We are very happy that in these days of rising energy prices our energy price will remain fixed since we locked it in by going solar. The warranty coverage on the system is also great. I highly recommend their honesty, integrity and excellence in sizing and installing your system! (Don't forget about the 26% federal tax credit which you can get if you install your system in 2022).
4.72 334 Reviews
Dev, over 1 month
Very good overall experience with my home solar project installtion at Torrance CA, Sunlux team and the project unit worked well to get project plan approval to SCE energy approval effectively and timely manner. Glad to have received SCE approval that i am grandfathered in NEM 2.0.I am glad to have handed project to Sunlux after several levels of comparision of panel quality, project cost, warranty and timeline, long term support. The project Team finished the work with high quality, finishing and timeliness.It has been almost 6 weeks since install by panel performance is more then indicated efficiency . Very satisfyed.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$15,150 ($3.03 per watt)
Dev, over 1 month
Very good overall experience with my home solar project installtion at Torrance CA, Sunlux team and the project unit worked well to get project plan approval to SCE energy approval effectively and timely manner. Glad to have received SCE approval that i am grandfathered in NEM 2.0.I am glad to have handed project to Sunlux after several levels of comparision of panel quality, project cost, warranty and timeline, long term support. The project Team finished the work with high quality, finishing and timeliness.It has been almost 6 weeks since install by panel performance is more then indicated efficiency . Very satisfyed.
4.67 351 Reviews
Bruce Cardwell, over 1 month
I signed my contract with Longhorn Solar at the end of August 2021. Here it is September 27, 2022 and my system is yet to be installed where it will pass even a simple test of turning off the Grid power and seeing how long we can live on our Sonnen EcoLynx20 battery. Test FAILED at one hour and it powered down the whole house with 86% battery charge showing remaining. Attempted to address this issue with Sonnen, whatever changes they made powered down the battery completely. I was told I could power the battery back up and all should be well. Not a chance, battery will not power up, we are dead in the water as far as battery backup goes. Sonnen said that given it would not power up I needed to talk with my installer to remedy the situation. I contacted them over 10 business days ago and copied in everyone I had an email address for and all I have heard is crickets. Today we heard reports that thousands of folks in Austin are without power, luckily not us, however my wife heard that story and she is not at all happy and called Longhorn today to receive a message that the tech support folks had forgotten that we were down. If you decide to go with this company demand a 40% 30% 30% payment schedule, holding 10% of their final payment is not enough to even get the time of day from them with their standard 20 40 30 10% schedule. So as it stands now they have 90% of my money and I have no battery backup, no solar feeding into the system when the Grid power is turned Off and a very unhappy wife. I'm not very happy either and today my patience has ended also.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$17,200 ($3.44 per watt)
Bruce Cardwell, over 1 month
I signed my contract with Longhorn Solar at the end of August 2021. Here it is September 27, 2022 and my system is yet to be installed where it will pass even a simple test of turning off the Grid power and seeing how long we can live on our Sonnen EcoLynx20 battery. Test FAILED at one hour and it powered down the whole house with 86% battery charge showing remaining. Attempted to address this issue with Sonnen, whatever changes they made powered down the battery completely. I was told I could power the battery back up and all should be well. Not a chance, battery will not power up, we are dead in the water as far as battery backup goes. Sonnen said that given it would not power up I needed to talk with my installer to remedy the situation. I contacted them over 10 business days ago and copied in everyone I had an email address for and all I have heard is crickets. Today we heard reports that thousands of folks in Austin are without power, luckily not us, however my wife heard that story and she is not at all happy and called Longhorn today to receive a message that the tech support folks had forgotten that we were down. If you decide to go with this company demand a 40% 30% 30% payment schedule, holding 10% of their final payment is not enough to even get the time of day from them with their standard 20 40 30 10% schedule. So as it stands now they have 90% of my money and I have no battery backup, no solar feeding into the system when the Grid power is turned Off and a very unhappy wife. I'm not very happy either and today my patience has ended also.
4.67 105 Reviews
Kent R, 2 weeks ago
Unlike other companies I contacted, Circle L responded promptly and consistently throughout the entire process. They were careful to address all my questions and made clear the limitations of my system. The design, planning and permitting was all completed by the company with me having to do very little and was performed expeditiously. The time line was outlined at the onset and was accurate. Installation occurred as predicted and was accomplished in one day.
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Kent R, 2 weeks ago
Unlike other companies I contacted, Circle L responded promptly and consistently throughout the entire process. They were careful to address all my questions and made clear the limitations of my system. The design, planning and permitting was all completed by the company with me having to do very little and was performed expeditiously. The time line was outlined at the onset and was accurate. Installation occurred as predicted and was accomplished in one day.
4.58 29 Reviews
Randy, over 1 month
I visited with several solar vendors looking for a great company that was based in our state, discovering Eastex Solar which we highly recommend. Eastex's approach to business and their value of relationships provided us the reassurance that we could be first time solar users, with the confidence that we found a partner that would assist us through the full process. They came to our location for a site review and helped me understand how the equipment worked, educated us on the install process and shared their knowledge of which was of great value. This transparency and knowledge transfer made selecting Eastex Solar simply as we forged a relationship with Reece which we did not experience with vendors. Eastex Solar provided a great summary document which defined the exact items we needed, from Texas manufactured panels to the battery system which supports our electric needs in the evenings. Communication was excellent as we moved from the design to the sales closure. The honesty and commitment to our project continued during the install, working with our electric provider to help us gain rebates and continues as we learn details from Eastex months after the installation. There is no doubt that we selected the right company, one that continues to help monitor our system for performance, answers questions about the app that reports system details to us, and is glad to see our results of not paying an electric bill since the system went live as we export more power to the grid than we import. Very glad that we found Eastex Solar and a company that we know will support their system - and us!
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Randy, over 1 month
I visited with several solar vendors looking for a great company that was based in our state, discovering Eastex Solar which we highly recommend. Eastex's approach to business and their value of relationships provided us the reassurance that we could be first time solar users, with the confidence that we found a partner that would assist us through the full process. They came to our location for a site review and helped me understand how the equipment worked, educated us on the install process and shared their knowledge of which was of great value. This transparency and knowledge transfer made selecting Eastex Solar simply as we forged a relationship with Reece which we did not experience with vendors. Eastex Solar provided a great summary document which defined the exact items we needed, from Texas manufactured panels to the battery system which supports our electric needs in the evenings. Communication was excellent as we moved from the design to the sales closure. The honesty and commitment to our project continued during the install, working with our electric provider to help us gain rebates and continues as we learn details from Eastex months after the installation. There is no doubt that we selected the right company, one that continues to help monitor our system for performance, answers questions about the app that reports system details to us, and is glad to see our results of not paying an electric bill since the system went live as we export more power to the grid than we import. Very glad that we found Eastex Solar and a company that we know will support their system - and us!
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources: