Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: You can skip the premium cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Catalina Foothills Homeowners?
Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.
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: trico.coopIncentive Amount:
$0.40 per expected first year kWh savings
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: ssvec.orgIncentive Amount:
$0.250 per estimated first year kWh 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 Catalina Foothills
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Consider each of these factors in your service provider search.
Licensing and Training
Arizona's Registrar of Contractors issues separate licenses for solar thermal and PV contractors. To install solar PV systems, a contractor must be a licensed electrician, and for solar thermal systems, they must be a licensed plumber. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Catalina Foothills
The kind of solar panels you select dictates how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.
If you'd like 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 providers provide these additional features, so look for a provider that sells them if it's important for you.
Generally speaking, it costs about $15,350 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Catalina Foothills. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,091 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $851 |
| Thin-Film | $498 |
| Solar Battery | $699 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,619 |
Financing Solar Energy in Catalina Foothills
Choosing the right financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, leases, and loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. Look for contractors that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Catalina Foothills.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.
| 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 Catalina Foothills
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy widely available in Catalina Foothills?
Will solar panels raise my Catalina Foothills home worth?
What can I do to estimate my home's solar viability?
What is a Catalina Foothills solar panel's average lifespan?
What is the average payback period for Catalina Foothills solar panels?
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
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