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
179 solar companies in Texas provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.85 121 Reviews
Doreen Foxx, 4 days ago
Everything has been very good so far, the team at Affordable got back right away. Sales team was sup helpful.
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Doreen Foxx, 4 days ago
Everything has been very good so far, the team at Affordable got back right away. Sales team was sup helpful.
4.84 177 Reviews
Chuck S., 5 days ago
Our experience with American Sentry Solar were surprisingly stress free! Honestly, when it comes to solar installations, I was skeptical solely due to hearing about a co-worker’s horror story about how an installation caused water leaks due to roof damage. Then there were the legal actions to hold the solar company responsible for damages. However, we are pleased to state this was by far NOT our experience. American Sentry Solar staff and technicians took care of all documentation to include completing the state grant paperwork, initiating the process for us to receive our Solar Renewable Energy Tax Credits (SERC), providing supporting documents for our HoA application, and requesting a new electrical interconnect meter from Delmarva Power. We had our consultation with a sales consultant, Jonathan, within a few weeks of scheduling the appointment. He was very polite and gave a good introduction about American Sentry Solar and the steps involved in their solar installation. The process began with a review of our electrical consumption to determine the panel configuration suitable to our situation. Next, we talked about cost, and quite surprisingly solar ownership is very doable once federal SERC tax credit and state grant funding are factored into the purchase. Completing an on-the-spot financial application was fast and easy. Even though we decided to pursue the solar installation, we were offered several days to review the provided documents about cost, materials, and the overall investment. A site inspection was performed by Gailan who explained what our installation would entail and answered all our questions. On the day of the installation, I had to work, but the solar foreman, Casey, explained what he and his team were to do, which took less than 4 hours to install 14 panels then run conduit and wiring through the attic into a junction box on the opposite outside wall from the house circuit pane. Throughout the installation they were very polite and respectfully. In fact, Casey took time to speak with me on the phone to answer any questions I had, particularly about how the panels were mounted to roof. I was surprised to hear they didn’t drill holes in the roof. Casey explained the mounting system and even provided a sample of a mounting bracket. The installation is finished and we are very pleased with the outcome. The panels blend in nicely with our roof shingles. The interesting part is we can monitor our electricity production via a phone application as well as what we are drawing in from the power company. Going solar has been easier than we had imagined! Chuck & Yvonne S.
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Chuck S., 5 days ago
Our experience with American Sentry Solar were surprisingly stress free! Honestly, when it comes to solar installations, I was skeptical solely due to hearing about a co-worker’s horror story about how an installation caused water leaks due to roof damage. Then there were the legal actions to hold the solar company responsible for damages. However, we are pleased to state this was by far NOT our experience. American Sentry Solar staff and technicians took care of all documentation to include completing the state grant paperwork, initiating the process for us to receive our Solar Renewable Energy Tax Credits (SERC), providing supporting documents for our HoA application, and requesting a new electrical interconnect meter from Delmarva Power. We had our consultation with a sales consultant, Jonathan, within a few weeks of scheduling the appointment. He was very polite and gave a good introduction about American Sentry Solar and the steps involved in their solar installation. The process began with a review of our electrical consumption to determine the panel configuration suitable to our situation. Next, we talked about cost, and quite surprisingly solar ownership is very doable once federal SERC tax credit and state grant funding are factored into the purchase. Completing an on-the-spot financial application was fast and easy. Even though we decided to pursue the solar installation, we were offered several days to review the provided documents about cost, materials, and the overall investment. A site inspection was performed by Gailan who explained what our installation would entail and answered all our questions. On the day of the installation, I had to work, but the solar foreman, Casey, explained what he and his team were to do, which took less than 4 hours to install 14 panels then run conduit and wiring through the attic into a junction box on the opposite outside wall from the house circuit pane. Throughout the installation they were very polite and respectfully. In fact, Casey took time to speak with me on the phone to answer any questions I had, particularly about how the panels were mounted to roof. I was surprised to hear they didn’t drill holes in the roof. Casey explained the mounting system and even provided a sample of a mounting bracket. The installation is finished and we are very pleased with the outcome. The panels blend in nicely with our roof shingles. The interesting part is we can monitor our electricity production via a phone application as well as what we are drawing in from the power company. Going solar has been easier than we had imagined! Chuck & Yvonne S.
4.81 453 Reviews
Mike Phillips , 3 days ago
First of all, I want to say that Efficient Home Services did a fenomenal job for me and all my neighbors. We were all looking for Solar and we all went with this company. The sales rep, the installers and everybody at the office did a great job as well. Thank you Brian from all your help and knowledge.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$17,000 ($3.40 per watt)
Mike Phillips , 3 days ago
First of all, I want to say that Efficient Home Services did a fenomenal job for me and all my neighbors. We were all looking for Solar and we all went with this company. The sales rep, the installers and everybody at the office did a great job as well. Thank you Brian from all your help and knowledge.
4.79 140 Reviews
Hammer-San Angelo, 3 weeks ago
In December of 2016, my wife and I purchased a solar installation from a local, San Angelo, solar company. The installation went as discussed and we were happy because things went as planned. Soon after that installation the once local company, left San Angelo and we were assured that if there was ever a problem with our installation to, “call them for service”. Our system functioned effectively until 5.18.22(date obtained from our electric provider), we became aware of the issue with the June 2022 bill. The electric company came to the house to make sure there was not a problem they needed to fix, and it was determined that it was a solar system problem. The installer was immediately notified and was provided with the information he requested so that a diagnosis could be determined. From that initial contact with the owner of the solar company on approximately 6.15.22 until 8.6.22 we were without any specific information regarding a service call. Time and time again were we told that us being in San Angelo was going to be a problem for service. Finally, on 8.6.22 his office manager told us a service person would be here on 8.8.22. The technician did come and told us he could not download the necessary information in order to diagnose the problem and would need to return with the necessary equipment to do so, but could not tell us when that would be, “it would have to be scheduled by the office manager and the owner”. Over the next several weeks, from 8.9.22 thru 8.26.22, there were no positive efforts made to reschedule a service call. Phone calls, texts and e-mails went unanswered, I believe the phrase is, “no response, just crickets”. We were being completely ignored by the original installation whose contract states, “If there is an issue, we will come fix it”. Finally, we found Native Solar, who provided us with specific dates, updates, price guidelines, answered e mails, returned phone calls with relevant information and never once left us feeling ignored or told us you are out of luck because you live in San Angelo. San Angelo is a town where you can drive around and see who has solar and from there it is an easy phone call and contact to ask who your installer was and how is their service. I will be spreading the word about the quality of the service work done by Native Solar. They understand customer service and demonstrated that to us. As for the original installer, “all hat and no cattle”, and I will be spreading that word as well.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$13,000 ($2.60 per watt)
Hammer-San Angelo, 3 weeks ago
In December of 2016, my wife and I purchased a solar installation from a local, San Angelo, solar company. The installation went as discussed and we were happy because things went as planned. Soon after that installation the once local company, left San Angelo and we were assured that if there was ever a problem with our installation to, “call them for service”. Our system functioned effectively until 5.18.22(date obtained from our electric provider), we became aware of the issue with the June 2022 bill. The electric company came to the house to make sure there was not a problem they needed to fix, and it was determined that it was a solar system problem. The installer was immediately notified and was provided with the information he requested so that a diagnosis could be determined. From that initial contact with the owner of the solar company on approximately 6.15.22 until 8.6.22 we were without any specific information regarding a service call. Time and time again were we told that us being in San Angelo was going to be a problem for service. Finally, on 8.6.22 his office manager told us a service person would be here on 8.8.22. The technician did come and told us he could not download the necessary information in order to diagnose the problem and would need to return with the necessary equipment to do so, but could not tell us when that would be, “it would have to be scheduled by the office manager and the owner”. Over the next several weeks, from 8.9.22 thru 8.26.22, there were no positive efforts made to reschedule a service call. Phone calls, texts and e-mails went unanswered, I believe the phrase is, “no response, just crickets”. We were being completely ignored by the original installation whose contract states, “If there is an issue, we will come fix it”. Finally, we found Native Solar, who provided us with specific dates, updates, price guidelines, answered e mails, returned phone calls with relevant information and never once left us feeling ignored or told us you are out of luck because you live in San Angelo. San Angelo is a town where you can drive around and see who has solar and from there it is an easy phone call and contact to ask who your installer was and how is their service. I will be spreading the word about the quality of the service work done by Native Solar. They understand customer service and demonstrated that to us. As for the original installer, “all hat and no cattle”, and I will be spreading that word as well.
4.77 61 Reviews
A. Rodriguez, 1 week ago
We researched a lot before we decided to use Wright-Way for our Solar Project. We chose them because they were local and had unanimously positive reviews. Rudy patiently educated us on the process, a realistic outcome, and helped us find a solution that worked for us and our budget. The people in the office provided us with multiple quotes, answered a ton of questions and helped walk us through the entire process. They were able to make adjustments to the process quickly, as we fine-tuned our plans. The install team was GREAT! James, Phoenix and the rest of the guys went above and beyond to work around our home offices, farm animals and non-traditional house-plan. They respected our property, our privacy, and were very polite. I appreciate that Wright-Way is available for service, if we have issues in the future. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone I know.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$11,000 ($2.20 per watt)
A. Rodriguez, 1 week ago
We researched a lot before we decided to use Wright-Way for our Solar Project. We chose them because they were local and had unanimously positive reviews. Rudy patiently educated us on the process, a realistic outcome, and helped us find a solution that worked for us and our budget. The people in the office provided us with multiple quotes, answered a ton of questions and helped walk us through the entire process. They were able to make adjustments to the process quickly, as we fine-tuned our plans. The install team was GREAT! James, Phoenix and the rest of the guys went above and beyond to work around our home offices, farm animals and non-traditional house-plan. They respected our property, our privacy, and were very polite. I appreciate that Wright-Way is available for service, if we have issues in the future. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone I know.
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).
4.70 324 Reviews
Robert McLaughlin, 2 weeks ago
Found that the entire journey was very easy. Everyone that we dealt with was professional and, most important, able to answer my questions. A big shout out to Berlyn Yamas, who, was very very friendly and helpful.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$15,150 ($3.03 per watt)
Robert McLaughlin, 2 weeks ago
Found that the entire journey was very easy. Everyone that we dealt with was professional and, most important, able to answer my questions. A big shout out to Berlyn Yamas, who, was very very friendly and helpful.
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.
4.66 99 Reviews
Kenneth, 1 week ago
I've never had better customer service than the Circle L Solar team provided me from start to finish. I mainly worked with Zack and Eric and they were always very responsive and came by the house numerous times to talk or provide additional information. Once the contract was signed, they took care of finding the best deal from electric providers given that I am now both using and producing electricity. The installers started installing the solar panels mid-morning and the panels were producing electricity that same day. By using their mobile app, I'm able to see and track my electric usage and production by the hour/day/week/month/year. I just looked at my app and over the last 14 days I've produced slightly more electricity than we've used. Bottom-line, I highly recommend Circle L Solar.
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Kenneth, 1 week ago
I've never had better customer service than the Circle L Solar team provided me from start to finish. I mainly worked with Zack and Eric and they were always very responsive and came by the house numerous times to talk or provide additional information. Once the contract was signed, they took care of finding the best deal from electric providers given that I am now both using and producing electricity. The installers started installing the solar panels mid-morning and the panels were producing electricity that same day. By using their mobile app, I'm able to see and track my electric usage and production by the hour/day/week/month/year. I just looked at my app and over the last 14 days I've produced slightly more electricity than we've used. Bottom-line, I highly recommend Circle L Solar.
4.64 32 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
We turned on our solar system on October 30, 2018. Satisfied with Sheldon Wilkinson and Sara with all of their help from the get go. Sheldon answer all of our questions. He has taken the time to stop by to check on us. I'm very satisfied with our system. It is a positive investment. 100% Satisfied with Alba Energy.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$17,450 ($3.49 per watt)
Anonymous, over 1 month
We turned on our solar system on October 30, 2018. Satisfied with Sheldon Wilkinson and Sara with all of their help from the get go. Sheldon answer all of our questions. He has taken the time to stop by to check on us. I'm very satisfied with our system. It is a positive investment. 100% Satisfied with Alba Energy.
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources: