Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, lowering your monthly electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with energy storage systems operate through power outages 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 San Tan Valley Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for adopting 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: 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 San Tan Valley
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Here are some important factors to bear in mind while shopping for a solar provider.
Licensing and Training
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors grants specialty 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 San Tan Valley
Your photovoltaic panels' type will affect how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not every solar contractor includes these additional features, so look for a provider 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 San Tan Valley. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much San Tan Valley solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
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 San Tan Valley
Solar companies use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar loans, solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home 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 allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in San Tan Valley.
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 rebates and financing plans 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 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Solar Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in San Tan Valley
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy easily accessible in San Tan Valley?
Will solar energy systems improve my San Tan Valley home price?
Is installing solar panels a quick job?
What size should my new San Tan Valley solar system be?
What is the average payback period for San Tan Valley solar panels?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.