Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.
- 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 provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to El Mirage Homeowners?
Arizona homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for rebates, special financing, reimbursements and tax credits. Here are just a few of the area's incentive programs.
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: srpnet.comIncentive Amount:
$0.30/kWh for annual estimated energy savings (based on SRCC rating)
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 El Mirage
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar energy system. Consider each of these factors in your service provider search.
Licensing and Training
In Arizona, the Registrar of Contractors grants separate licenses for solar PV and thermal contractors. To install solar thermal systems, a contractor must be a licensed plumber, and for solar PV systems, they must be a licensed electrician. Solar installers can also obtain certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The top ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in El Mirage
The kind of solar panels you choose determines how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not all solar contractors offer these add-ons, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.
Generally speaking, it costs about $15,350 for a five-kilowatt solar array in El Mirage. This table lists more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,182 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $922 |
| Thin-Film | $539 |
| Solar Battery | $756 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,836 |
Financing Solar Energy in El Mirage
There are many ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car loan or mortgage, 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 involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. Look for contractors that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in El Mirage.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment 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 | 3.3 years |
| 5 kW | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | 16.5 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in El Mirage
How much money could I save by going solar in El Mirage?
How common is solar energy in El Mirage?
Will a solar PV system raise my El Mirage home worth?
How long will a common solar system last?
What care do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
What is the average payback period for El Mirage solar panels?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
Some states or power companies mandate you to enroll in net metering when installing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you join, you'll get a check or bill credit for your excess generation at a retail or wholesale rate.
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