Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
- Smaller power bills: Sourcing some or all of your own energy will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- 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 Norwich Homeowners?
Connecticut homeowners who go solar could qualify for rebates, special financing, tax credits and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the region's incentive programs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies (local option)
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of value added by renewable system
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: gosolarct.comIncentive Amount:
Customer-owned (EPBB):
Up to 10 kW PTC: $0.358/W
10 to 20 kW PTC: $0.207/W
Incentive is reduced accordingly for Design Factors below 75%. Minimum design factor is 60%.
Third-Party-Owned (PBI):
Up to 20 kW PTC: $0.03/kWh for 6 years
Minimum Design Factor 60%
Incentive Type: Green Building Incentive
Website: ctgreenbank.comIncentive Type: Loan Program
Website: ctgreenbank.comIncentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: capitalforchange.orgIncentive Amount:
Single family homes (1-4 family units): $25,000
Landlord Loan: $40,000
Incentive Type: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Website: uinet.comIncentive Amount:
$98.18 per ZREC (for Year 6 round of solicitation)
Incentive Type: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Website: eversource.comIncentive Amount:
$100.74 per REC (for Year 7 round of solicitation)Tariff for Small ZREC determined through PURA
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: energizect.comIncentive Amount:
Ductless Heat Pump: $500
Refrigerators/Freezers, Room A/Cs, Dishwashers, Clothes Washers, Dehumidifiers: Incentive Included in Retail Price
Central A/C: $200
Air Source Heat Pumps: $500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $750
Lighting: Incentive Included in Retail Price
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $500-$1,500
High Efficiency Furnace, Natural Gas Boiler, and Boiler Circulator Pump: Instant Discounts of $25-$800
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Website: cpace.comIncentive Amount:
Locally determined
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: norwichpublicutilities.comIncentive Amount:
Electric Water Heaters: $60
Window Air Conditioners: $60
Single Package and Split System Unitary AC Equipment: $200-$300/ton
Air Source Heat Pump Equipment: $200-$300/ton
Water/Ground Source Heat Pump Equipment: $150/ton
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 Norwich
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.
Licensing and Training
In Connecticut, a journeyman meeting minimum experience requirements can take an exam to become a licensed solar PV or thermal contractor. Once they're licensed, they'll need to enroll with the state's Clean Energy Fund, so their customers can earn incentives. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded 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 Norwich
Your solar modules' style will affect how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. 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 want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more productive and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors offer these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $18,750 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Norwich. This table lists more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,115 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $869 |
Thin-Film | $508 |
Solar Battery | $713 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,675 |
Financing Solar Energy in Norwich
Choosing the optimal financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, cash payments, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $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, much like 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. Look for providers that offer multiple 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 Norwich.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Additional 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 | 1.9 years |
2 kW | 3.8 years |
5 kW | 9.4 years |
10 kW | 18.9 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Norwich
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How widespread is solar energy in Norwich?
Will a solar PV system improve my Norwich home price?
How can I check my home's solar feasibility?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What's the average solar system size in Norwich?
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- Aggressive sales pitch
- Dodging questions about cost, warranties, references and training and credentials
- Inflexible options
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- Limited customer feedback
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