Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Reduced energy costs: Generating some or all of your own electricity will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and well-being.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Bullhead City Homeowners?
Arizona agencies and electric companies offer numerous solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of sales tax on eligible equipment
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: azdor.govIncentive Amount:
25%
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Deduction
Incentive Amount:
Total cost, exclusive of taxes, interest and other finance charges
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of increased value
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: mohaveelectric.comIncentive Amount:
PV and Wind systems: $0.05/W
Solar Water Heating: $0.75/kWh of estimated first year energy savings
Incentive 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 Bullhead City
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar system. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.
Licensing and Training
Arizona's Registrar of Contractors issues separate licenses for solar PV and thermal contractors. To install solar PV systems, a contractor must be a licensed electrician, and for solar thermal systems, they must be a licensed plumber. Solar companies can also earn certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Bullhead City
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies offer these optional components, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's important for you.
A majority of Bullhead City homeowners select solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $15,350 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,065 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $830 |
Thin-Film | $485 |
Solar Battery | $681 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,555 |
Financing Solar Energy in Bullhead City
Solar installers offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases, solar loans and cash payments. We recommend paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We suggest working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each salesperson about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Bullhead City.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional 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 | 3.3 years |
5 kW | 8.3 years |
10 kW | 16.5 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Bullhead City
How much money could I save by going solar in Bullhead City?
Is solar energy common in Bullhead City?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after installing solar panels?
What can I do to estimate my home's solar potential?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What size should my new Bullhead City solar system be?
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
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