Texas' Rebates and Incentives for Solar Energy Systems

In Texas, the main focus has long been on wind energy. But in such a huge, sunny state there is a lot of potential for solar power production. However, due to a lot of political posturing, the solar movement in the Lone Star state has been limited to municipal rebate programs. Austin is in the lead with a rebate program to rival many U.S. states. Here is what Texas does have to offer homeowners looking to take the solar step:

TAX CREDITS

Renewable Energy System Property Tax Exemption

• This exemption includes a broad spectrum of solar energy systems, including photovoltaics (PV), solar thermal electric, passive solar heat, solar water heat, space heat, and pool heat.
• The tax exemption is for 100% of the appraised value of the home resulting from the installation of the system. Check out this website for more information.

NET METERING

• For all the lack in state-funded solar rebates and incentives, Texas does have a net metering program. Although it actually favors non-renewable electricity producers more than those using renewable resources.
• Texas' net metering rules are rather difficult to wade through. Essentially, over the past several years Texas has been deregulating its utilities. In that wake, integrated, investor-owned utilities outside the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) do have the obligation to provide net metering to eligible customers. Municipal utilities, electric cooperatives, and river authorities are not required to participate. As to what exactly sets a utility in or out of ERCOT is difficult to surmise. If you are a Texas resident looking to see if your utility qualifies and seeking interconnection standards, you can review the proper documents here.
• Maximum system size for Texas net metering is 50kW for renewable systems (100kW for non-renewable systems). Customers are credited the full retail rate for energy produced.

As you can see, Texas is severely lacking in solar energy incentives. Unfortunately, legislation that would have put incentives in motion was voted down in 2007 and won't be heard again until 2009. One can only hope that sooner or later Texas will set solar power up with wind power as an incentive-worthy resource. Nonetheless, several utilities in Texas have renewable energy incentives and loan programs for aspiring homeowners. For a comprehensive list of incentives, look here.

USEFUL LINKS

• Public Utility Commission of Texas
• DSIRE: Texas
• State Energy Conservation Office (SECO)
• Texas Solar Contractors