Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the expensive cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and comfort.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Decatur Homeowners?
Governments and utility companies often reward homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Deduction
Incentive Amount:
100%
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: revenue.alabama.govIncentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Decatur
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar array. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.
Licensing and Training
Alabama issues licenses to solar contractors with similar requirements to other electrical professionals. They must have a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience and file an application with the state's Electrical Contractors Board. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Decatur
Your solar modules' style will affect how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.
You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not all solar contractors offer these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.
Generally speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Decatur. This table lists more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,005 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $784 |
| Thin-Film | $458 |
| Solar Battery | $643 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,413 |
Financing Solar Energy in Decatur
Choosing the ideal financing solution will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include loans, power purchase agreements, cash payments, and leases. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We advise working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each salesperson about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Decatur.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.7 years |
| 2 kW | 3.5 years |
| 5 kW | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | 17.5 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Decatur
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy widely available in Decatur?
Will a solar PV system boost my Decatur home value?
How can I check my property's solar suitability?
What size should my new Decatur solar system be?
What is the average payback period for Decatur solar panels?
How can I boost my solar array's performance?
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
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