Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, reducing your regular electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Whittier Homeowners?
California homeowners who choose solar could qualify for reimbursements, special financing, rebates and tax credits. 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 Whittier
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some important factors to remember 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 photovoltaic (PV) systems, water heaters, boilers, pool heaters, and HVAC. 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. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Whittier
The style of solar panels you select determines how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.
If you want 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 effective and user-friendly. Not all solar companies offer these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.
If you're a resident of Whittier and want 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 | $1,194 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $931 |
| Thin-Film | $544 |
| Solar Battery | $764 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,865 |
Financing Solar Energy in Whittier
Solar installers offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans and cash payments. Though it requires 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 second most effective option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating 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 certain circumstances. Look for contractors that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Whittier.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra 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 Whittier
How much money could I save by going solar in Whittier?
Is solar energy widely available in Whittier?
Will a solar PV system improve my Whittier home value?
What can I do to assess my home's solar potential?
How long does the solar installation process take?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?
In contrast, solar loans can come from installer, specialty lenders, the government and local banks. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are higher, and you'll be responsible for maintenance, you'll also have total ownership and can apply for many more financial rewards.
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