Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems work through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and comfort.
- Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you produce power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Surprise Homeowners?
The state of Arizona offers a variety of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.
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 Surprise
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar system. Here are some key items to bear in mind while searching for a solar company.
Licensing and Training
In Arizona, the 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 credentials. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted 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 Surprise
The style of solar panels you purchase determines how much power 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.
Additional accessories, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will raise 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 a priority for you.
If you're a resident of Surprise and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $15,350 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
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 Surprise
There are many ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and leases. 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 own 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 spend 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 generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and get 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 Surprise.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, and financing programs that could save you more money.
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 Surprise
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy common in Surprise?
Will a solar PV system increase my Surprise home price?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a rainy, wooded, or dark area?
What can I do to assess my home's solar potential?
Is solar installation a fast job?
How can I maximize my solar system's 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
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