Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Brentwood Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.
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 Brentwood
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some important factors to keep in mind while searching for a solar company.
Licensing and Training
California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar boilers, photovoltaic (PV) systems, water heaters, pool heaters, and HVAC. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams to earn a license. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Brentwood
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.
You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar providers include these add-ons, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.
You can plan to spend about $17,350 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Brentwood. Check the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Brentwood 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 Brentwood
Solar installers use 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), solar loans, solar leases and cash payments. We suggest 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 enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA 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 financial needs.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Brentwood.
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 | 1.4 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 Brentwood
How much money could I save by going solar in Brentwood?
How popular is solar energy in Brentwood?
Should I expect a property value increase after going solar?
How long is a Brentwood solar panel's average lifespan?
How do I care for my new solar system?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Brentwood?
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Dodging questions about references, training and credentials, cost and warranties
- "One-size-fits-all" approach
- Superficial, rushed site evaluation
- No references or testimonials
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