Austin, Texas, residents can now get paid $2,500 to install solar panels on their homes, thanks to a new rebate program from Austin Energy.
The process is simple: Take a quick online course about solar basics, pick from a list of approved installers, apply for the rebate before installing a qualifying system, and save money on your electric bills.
"The Austin Energy Solar Education Course gives you the knowledge to speak confidently with solar installation contractors, know the right questions to ask, and be able to compare solar proposals," the Austin Energy website states. "While the course can be completed in about 30 minutes, we encourage you to go through it at your own pace."
🗣️ What is stopping you from upgrading to a heat pump system?
🔘 The cost of installation 💵
🔘 I live in a cold area 🥶
🔘 I don't know enough about it 🤷
🔘 I already have one 😎
🗳️ Click your choice to see results and speak your mind
The savings add up fast. After you qualify and your panels are installed, Austin Energy credits you a value of solar rate (currently 9.91 cents, per the program site) for every kilowatt-hour your system produces. Plus, your property taxes likely won't go up when you add panels, as your solar installation may be exempt from property tax assessment, according to the website.
Thinking about making the switch? Your home is probably a good fit for this program if you have about 150 square feet of sunny roof space facing south, per Austin Energy. Getting multiple quotes helps, too. Austin Energy suggests talking to at least three contractors before deciding.
The program comes as more Americans look for ways to lower their energy costs. Homeowners nationwide are finding that clean energy upgrades pay for themselves through lower monthly bills. Rewiring America offers free tools to help people find tax breaks and incentives and connect with qualified contractors who can make home improvements budget-friendly.
The federal government will give you a tax break on top of the local rebate through the Inflation Reduction Act. Taking advantage of this federal credit sooner rather than later may save you thousands, as President-elect Donald Trump has said he intends to eliminate these incentives to reduce government spending. This would require an act of Congress, though. Either way, the future of these federal discounts is uncertain.
Want to learn more? Austin Energy's free solar course is available in English and Spanish, with printed materials available on request.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. Solar panels can save you more than $50k over their 25-year lifespan, and EnergySage can help you save as much as $10k on installation. Which begs the question — isn't that worth an email or two? |
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
