Austin Rebates, Tax Credits, and Incentives

Federal tax credits, local rebates,and other incentives make renewable energy and energy efficiency more affordable than ever.

Austin Home

Austin Rebates, Tax Credits, and Incentives

Renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions are now more affordable than ever thanks to the abundance of available rebates and incentives.

View the Residential, Commercial, or Builder incentives that may be available for you, or to learn more about how you can take advantage of these great incentives, call the SRE Energy Experts at (512) 782-0980.

Residential

Solar Electric (PV) Systems

Federal Income Tax Credit

A federal income tax credit of 30% of the system cost is available for solar electric (PV) systems.

Austin Energy Customer Rebate

Austin Energy’s solar electric (PV) rebate program, oversubscribed since September of 2009, is scheduled to resume October 1, 2010, with an estimated rebate value of $2.25/AC watt.  The annual maximum rebate is $15,000, with a total lifetime rebate amount per residence of up to $50,000. Rebate funds are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis - so don't wait, call us today to find out how to lock in your rebate! Or contact us here to set up an appointment.

Solar Water Heating (Thermal) Systems

Federal Income Tax Credit

A federal income tax credit of 30% of the system cost is available for solar water heating (thermal) systems.

Austin Energy Customer Rebate

Austin Energy provides a rebate of up to $2,000 for an existing home or $1,500 for a new home for the installation of a solar water heating system. To qualify, the system must be installed in conjunction with an electric backup water heater (existing or new) and must be a minimum of a 2-collector system with an 80-gallon storage tank. Please contact us for a quote for your home.

Wind Energy Systems

Federal Income Tax Credit

A federal income tax credit of 30% of the system cost is available for wind energy systems.

Solar Electric (PV), Solar Water Heating (Thermal) and Wind Energy Systems

Texas Property Tax Exemption

The Texas property tax code exempts from taxation the amount of the appraised property value that arises from the installation of a solar electric, solar water heating,or wind energy system.

Energy Efficiency – Air Conditioning, Heating, Insulation, and Other Energy Efficiency Improvements

Federal Income Tax Credit

A federal income tax credit of up to $1,500 is available for qualified home energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, high-efficiency air conditioning systems, high-efficiency heat pumps and more.

To learn more about qualifying for these rebates, please contact us.

Austin Energy Customer Rebates

Rebates of up to $1,575 are available for Austin Energy residential electric customers who reduce their electricity demand through energy efficiency improvements such as ductwork replacement and sealing, attic radiant barriers, window film, insulation upgrades, and more.

Additionally, air conditioning (A/C) upgrades can qualify for $180-$600 in rebates, depending on efficiency rating. High-efficiency heat pumps can qualify for $240-$650 in rebates, depending on efficiency rating. Contact us to learn more.

Commercial

Treasury Grant

Commercial projects may opt to apply for a Treasury Energy Grant in lieu of the investment tax credit (ITC). This applies to equipment placed in service by December 31, 2010 or construction has begun by December 31, 2010 and is completed by December 31, 2013. The grant is paid out by the Treasury within 60 days of the project completion and application is filed.

Solar Electric (PV) Systems

Federal Business Tax Credit

A federal business tax credit of 30% of the system cost is available for solar electric (PV) systems.

Solar Water Heating (Thermal) Systems

Federal Business Tax Credit

A federal tax credit of 30% of the system cost is available for solar water heating systems.

Austin Energy Customer Rebate

Austin Energy commercial, non-profit, and government customers are eligible for rebates on solar water heating systems. Rebate amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us to learn more.

Wind Energy Systems

Federal Business Tax Credit

A federal tax credit of 30% of the system cost is available for wind energy systems.

Solar Electric (PV), Solar Water Heating (Thermal) and Wind Energy Systems

Federal 5 Year Accelerated Depreciation Schedule

Under the federal Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS), businesses may recover the cost of a solar electric, solar water heating, or wind energy system on an accelerated 5-year schedule.  In 2008 and 2009 the above investments qualify for the 50% Bonus Depreciation schedule. The owner is entitled to deduct 50% of the adjusted basis of the property in the first year of operation. The remaining 50% of the adjusted basis of the property is depreciated over the ordinary depreciation schedule.  The Depreciation Basis is calculated as the System Installation Price – (1/2) Federal Investment Tax Credit.

Texas Franchise Tax Deduction

Texas allows a corporation to deduct the cost of a solar electric or solar water heating system from the franchise tax in one of two ways: (1) the total cost of the system may be deducted from the company’s taxable capital; or, (2) 10% of the system’s cost may be deducted from the company’s income.

Texas Property Tax Exemption

The Texas property tax code exempts from taxation the amount of the appraised property value that arises from the installation of a solar electric, solar water heating,or wind energy system.

Energy Efficiency

Austin Energy Customer Rebates – High-Efficiency Air Conditioning and Lighting

Rebates of up to $100,000 are available for Austin Energy commercial electric customers who reduce their electricity demand through energy efficiency improvements such as air conditioning (A/C) and lighting upgrades. Contact us for more information on how your business can qualify.

Builders

Energy Efficiency

Federal Tax Credit – Energy Efficient Homes

Tax credits of up to $2,000 are available to builders for construction of new energy-efficient homes.

Homes qualify for a $2,000 credit if they are certified to reduce energy consumption by 50% relative to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) standard and meet minimum efficiency standards established by the Department of Energy.

Building envelope component improvements must account for at least 20% of the reduction in energy consumption, but specific energy efficiency measures are not restricted.

 

The statements contained herein are not intended to and do not constitute an opinion as to any tax or other matter, and may not represent all potential incentives available to you. You should consult your tax advisor with respect to any taxes or incentives that you may qualify for.