Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during storms and grid outages.
- Lower utility costs: 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 allow you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Manteca Homeowners?
California homeowners who go solar could qualify for tax credits, special financing, reimbursements and rebates. Here are just a few of the local 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 Manteca
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar energy system. Here are some crucial criteria to keep in mind while searching for a solar specialist.
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, photovoltaic (PV) systems, boilers, and HVAC. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to secure a license. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of 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 Manteca
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar companies include these additional features, so look for a provider that sells them if it's crucial for you.
If you're a resident of Manteca and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,350 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,332 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $1,039 |
| Thin-Film | $607 |
| Solar Battery | $852 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $3,196 |
Financing Solar Energy in Manteca
There are numerous ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include leases, loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and cash payments. 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 cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid 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 pay more in total due to accruing interest. 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 contractors 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 Manteca.
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. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs that could save you more money.
| 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 Manteca
How much money could I save by going solar in Manteca?
How common is solar energy in Manteca?
Will a solar PV system improve my Manteca home value?
What if I live in a gloomy or dark
How long does the solar installation process take?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?
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.
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