Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the grid for your safety and comfort.
- Lowered energy bills: You can skip the added cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Antioch Homeowners?
California homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for reimbursements, tax credits, special financing and rebates. Here are just a few of the region's incentive programs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: boe.ca.govIncentive Amount:
100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Website: wrcog.usIncentive Amount:
Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product.
Minimum financing: $5,000
The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the propertyThe total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved.
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Locally determined
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: selfgenca.comIncentive Amount:
For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front.
Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts.
Incentive Type: Feed-in Tariff
Website: cpuc.ca.govIncentive Type: Feed-in Tariff
Website: ladwp.comIncentive Amount:
$0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier
Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: gosolarcalifornia.ca.govIncentive Amount:
Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels):
Single Family Residential Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted
Commercial/Multifamily Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E
Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced
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 Antioch
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar system. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.
Licensing and Training
California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar water heaters, pool heaters, HVAC, boilers, and photovoltaic (PV) systems. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to earn licensure. Solar providers can also earn certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected 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 Antioch
Your solar modules' model will impact how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.
If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and convenient to use. Not every solar provider provides these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.
You can plan to spend about $17,350 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Antioch. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Antioch solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,322 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $1,031 |
| Thin-Film | $603 |
| Solar Battery | $846 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $3,172 |
Financing Solar Energy in Antioch
There are numerous ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, leases, and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable 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) permits you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each business you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Antioch.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.4 years |
| 2 kW | 2.7 years |
| 5 kW | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | 13.7 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Antioch
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How prevalent is solar energy in Antioch?
Will a solar PV system increase my Antioch home value?
How long will a common solar system last?
Is solar installation a quick job?
What's the average solar system size in Antioch?
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
You might think about a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintenance and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any cost-saving solar incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other financing options above.
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
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