Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Smaller power bills: Generating some or all of your own energy will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your surplus 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: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the power grid for your safety and well-being.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Yuma Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for going 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 Yuma
The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately operate. Here are some crucial criteria to keep in mind while searching for a solar provider.
Licensing and Training
Arizona's Registrar of Contractors issues specialty licenses for solar thermal and PV contractors. To install solar PV systems, a contractor must be a licensed electrician, and for solar thermal systems, they must be a licensed plumber. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Yuma
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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 want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.
You can expect to pay about $15,350 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Yuma. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Yuma solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,050 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $819 |
| Thin-Film | $479 |
| Solar Battery | $672 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,521 |
Financing Solar Energy in Yuma
Solar contractors offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, solar loans and solar leases. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best 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 will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Look for providers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Yuma.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, financing programs, and incentives 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 Yuma
How much money could I save by going solar in Yuma?
Is solar energy readily available in Yuma?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after going solar?
What can I do to predict my home's solar potential?
How long does the photovoltaic installation process take?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- Pressuring you into signing a contract
- Dodging questions about cost, references, warranties and credentials and training
- Inflexible options
- Rushing through the site assessment
- No business filing with your local secretary of state
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