Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your regular electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems work through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the grid for your safety and well-being.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Prescott Homeowners?
Governments and utility companies 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: 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 Prescott
The purchase price and performance of solar panels often rely on which company mounted them. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.
Licensing and Training
Arizona's Registrar of Contractors grants specialty licenses for solar thermal and PV installers. 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 pursue certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious 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 Prescott
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.
Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies provide these add-ons, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.
You can plan to spend about $15,350 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Prescott. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Prescott solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,104 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $861 |
Thin-Film | $503 |
Solar Battery | $707 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,649 |
Financing Solar Energy in Prescott
There are many ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, leases, loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We advise making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the highest 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from 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, similar to 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 installers that offer several 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 Prescott.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even 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 Prescott
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How widespread is solar energy in Prescott?
Will solar panels raise my Prescott home price?
What if I live in a dark or heavily-wooded
How can I check my home's solar feasibility?
What's a Prescott solar panel's average lifespan?
How can I enhance my solar panels' 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
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- Aggressive sales pitch
- Not being straightforward about references, cost, warranties and credentials and training
- Inflexible options
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- No references or testimonials
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