Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple perks. Let's look at a few of them.
- Smaller power bills: Sourcing some or all of your own electricity will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems work through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the grid for your safety and well-being.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Huntington Beach Homeowners?
California homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for tax credits, reimbursements, rebates and special financing. Here are just a few of the region's incentive offerings.
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 Huntington Beach
The purchase price and performance of solar panels often depend on the provider that installed them. Consider each of these aspects in your service provider search.
Licensing and Training
California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar pool heaters, photovoltaic (PV) systems, HVAC, water heaters, and boilers. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams to earn a license. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. 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 Huntington Beach
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 vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar contractors offer these add-ons, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.
If you're a resident of Huntington Beach and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,350 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,235 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $963 |
| Thin-Film | $563 |
| Solar Battery | $790 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,964 |
Financing Solar Energy in Huntington Beach
Solar providers 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), cash payments, solar leases and solar loans. Though it requires 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 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 valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each installer you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A team member can help you determine the most suitable option for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Huntington Beach.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
| 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 Huntington Beach
How much money could I save by going solar in Huntington Beach?
Is solar energy widely available in Huntington Beach?
Will a solar PV system increase my Huntington Beach home value?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a wooded, dark, or rainy area?
How many years will an average solar system last?
What is the average payback period for Huntington Beach solar panels?
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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