Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the expensive cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the grid for your safety and well-being.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Roseville Homeowners?
California homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for rebates, reimbursements, tax credits and special financing. Here are just a few of the area'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
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: Rebate Program
Website: smud.orgIncentive Amount:
$300
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 Roseville
The cost and effectiveness of solar panels often rely on which company installed them. Here are some key items to keep in mind while searching for a solar provider.
Licensing and Training
California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar water heaters, HVAC, boilers, pool heaters, and photovoltaic (PV) systems. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams to earn licensure. Solar providers can also pursue certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The top 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 Roseville
Your photovoltaic panels' model will influence how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
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 user-friendly. Not all solar companies offer these add-ons, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,350 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Roseville. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,225 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $956 |
| Thin-Film | $559 |
| Solar Battery | $784 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,940 |
Financing Solar Energy in Roseville
Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases, cash payments and solar loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. 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 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 based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each consultant about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Roseville.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments 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 Roseville
How much money could I save by going solar in Roseville?
How common is solar energy in Roseville?
Should I expect a property value increase after adopting solar power?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a dark, rainy, or wooded area?
How long does the solar panel installation process last?
What is the average payback period for Roseville solar panels?
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
You don't own the panels with either option, though you can choose to "buy out" of the contract for a fee.
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