Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lower energy bills: Sourcing some or all of your own power will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Marana Homeowners?
Governments and utility companies often incentivize homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, 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: 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 Marana
The more informed your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately perform. Make your choice based on the following key factors.
Licensing and Training
Arizona's Registrar of Contractors grants specialty licenses for solar thermal and PV contractors. To install solar thermal systems, a contractor must be a licensed plumber, and for solar PV systems, they must be a licensed electrician. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Marana
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar provider provides these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's important for you.
A majority of Marana homeowners choose solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $15,350 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,167 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $910 |
| Thin-Film | $532 |
| Solar Battery | $747 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,800 |
Financing Solar Energy in Marana
Choosing the optimal financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include loans, power purchase agreements, leases, and cash payments. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a home or auto 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 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. Look for companies 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 Marana.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions 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 Marana
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How widespread is solar energy in Marana?
Will solar energy systems boost my Marana home worth?
How can I check my home's solar feasibility?
How long does an average solar system last?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Marana?
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- Pressuring you into signing a contract
- Not being straightforward about cost, warranties, credentials and training and references
- "One-size-fits-all" approach
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- Limited customer feedback
What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?
In contrast, solar loans can come from installer, local banks, the government and specialty lenders. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are more expensive, and you'll be responsible for upkeep, you'll also have full ownership rights and can apply for many more benefits.
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