Go Solar in Austin, TX

One of the sunniest cities in the United States, Austin, TX, enjoys about 300 days of sunshine per year. This makes it ideal for solar panel systems, which explains why they’re so popular with Austin locals.

But the idea of making the move from traditional energy sources to solar power can be daunting, and it’s normal for potential solar customers to have a lot of questions. Our goal is to make the process of going solar as straightforward as possible and answer any questions you have along the way.

If you’re considering converting to solar power, you’ve picked a good time for it; the cost of solar panels is at an all-time low, and Austin Energy prices continue to climb. That means there’s never been a better time to think about going solar.

Will Solar Panels Save You Money?

The most talked-about value of solar power is its benefit to the environment. Important as this is, it’s also important to know whether adding a solar energy system to your Austin, Texas, home will save you money. The amount of money you can save from solar depends on a few factors, including your current energy use and the size and type of solar system you choose.

Austin Energy costs aren’t going down any time soon, but adding a solar system to your home can significantly lower your utility bill. The more you’re able to rely on energy your solar system produces, the less you’ll have to pay on your electric bill, saving you potentially tens of thousands over time.

Many companies also provide energy bill credits if your solar system produces more energy than you use. The excess energy produced flows into the electrical grid, allowing another customer to use it, saving you even more on your electricity bill.  This is called a net-metering rate plan.

If the cost of your Austin Energy bill is higher than you would like, it might be time to go solar.

How else can a solar system save you money? Take a look at the many local and federal rebates and incentives available.

Solar Energy Installation Incentives in Austin

As the country works hard to move toward more sustainable sources of energy, the government and other organizations are offering a number of solar incentives that can reduce the cost of a system. Fortunately, this opens the door for more homeowners and businesses than ever to make the move to solar.

Below are two of the most important incentives available to Austin, Texas, residents; talk to your accountant or tax preparer about additional incentives for which you may qualify.

Federal Solar Tax Credit

If you purchase your system outright (rather than leasing or going through a Solar Power Purchase Agreement), the federal government offers an Investment Tax Credit that offsets the cost of your system.

Just fill out Form 5695 when you do your taxes, and you’ll receive a credit of up to 30% of the cost of the system. The credit percentage goes down every year, however, so talk to your tax professional about how much you qualify for based on when you installed the system.

It’s also important to note that this is a tax credit, not a rebate—it will go toward paying off any taxes you owe but will not result in a tax refund.

Austin Energy Solar Rebate Program

Austin Energy is leading the charge in green energy solutions in Texas. Their Solar Rebate Program offers a $2,500 rebate for installing a Photovoltaic, or PV, system (which is the official term for a solar panel system) and taking a solar education course.

This is just one of many solar incentives the organization offers to residential, multi-family, and commercial customers.

Thanks to utility companies like Austin Energy, making the move to solar is becoming more affordable and attainable for everyone.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Austin?

If you’re considering adding solar panels to your home, you’re no doubt wondering about the price of going solar. As you can imagine, the price of solar systems varies depending on a variety of factors, so it’s impossible to say exactly what the solar panel cost will be for you until we’re able to evaluate your home and energy needs.

We can tell you that the average cost of an Austin, Texas, solar system is $13,300, or a cost per watt of $2.66. This should give you an idea of what to expect, but keep in mind that each system is different.

Many factors go into figuring out what your installation costs will be, from the system size to where it will be mounted. The size will depend on two things:

• the amount of space you have to dedicate to the panels
• the amount of energy you need to produce

The average solar system will fit on a roof, but if your roof is shaded for much of the day or isn’t optimally angled, it may be necessary to install the system on the ground or situate the panels in multiple areas instead of all together.

The type of panels and inverter you decide on will also affect the initial costs, as well as the efficiency of the system over time. Keep in mind that paying more upfront for efficient equipment will often more than offset initial costs over time.

Ready to Go Solar?

Residential solar energy systems cost less than ever before and can save you thousands on your energy bills. Add in federal and local solar incentives and year-round sunshine, and there’s no reason not to go solar in Austin, TX.

Our team of solar experts can walk you through every step of the process, from initial quotes to activating your system. We’ll assess your needs, provide professional recommendations about which panels and inverters will work best for your home, and take care of necessary permits.

We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and professionalism. If you’d like help with your Austin, Texas, solar setup, don’t hesitate to reach out.

If you live in Austin, Allandale, Barton Hills, Bastrop, Bee Cave, Brentwood, Buda, Cedar Creek, Cedar Park, Dripping Springs, Elgin, Hutto, Joyville, Lake Travis, Lakeway, Leander, Manchaca, Manor, West Lake Hills, Windemere, or near these locations and you are interested in solar energy, we’d be happy to help!