ArlingtonSolar Incentives 2026: Rebates, Tax Credits & Net Metering

Solar incentives in Arlington come in three layers. First, every homeowner qualifies for the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit on the full installed cost, claimed on IRS Form 5695. Texas does not add a state income tax credit, so the federal credit is the main up-front incentive. Third, Oncor / retail providers sets the local rules for crediting the solar power you export.

Arlington homes pick a retail electricity plan over Oncor's wires; some providers offer solar buyback plans that mimic net metering.

Arlington gets 5 peak sun hours a day, so each 1 kW of panels produces about 1,460 kWh per year here. A 9.2 kW system — the size that fits a typical $155/month Oncor / retail providers bill — generates roughly 13,432 kWh annually, worth about $1,880 in avoided electricity in year one and more as rates rise.

Texas has no statewide retail net metering mandate, so Oncor / retail providers buys back exported solar at a reduced rate (~25–50% of retail). In Arlington, that often makes a battery worthwhile — storing your own production beats exporting it cheaply. See full Texas net metering rules →

At Texas's 2026 average of $2.65/watt, the 9.2 kW system most Arlington homes need runs about $24,380 before incentives. The 30% federal credit takes off $7,314 — landing the net cost near $17,066, with payback around 8.3 years.