Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple perks. Here are some highlights.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
- Reduced energy costs: Sourcing some or all of your own electricity will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to West Hartford Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
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: 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 West Hartford
The more thorough your company investigation is, the better your solar system will ultimately operate. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.
Licensing and Training
In Connecticut, a journeyman who meet minimum experience requirements can take an exam to become a licensed solar PV or thermal contractor. Once they're licensed, they'll need to sign up with the state's Clean Energy Fund, so their customers can earn incentives. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in West Hartford
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 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 battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar providers include these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $18,750 for a five-kilowatt solar array in West Hartford. This table lists more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,206 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $940 |
| Thin-Film | $550 |
| Solar Battery | $772 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,894 |
Financing Solar Energy in West Hartford
Choosing the correct financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, leases, and loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical 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 money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just 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. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in West Hartford.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, incentives, and rebates that could save you more money.
| 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 West Hartford
How much money could I save by going solar in West Hartford?
Is solar energy common in West Hartford?
Will a solar PV system raise my West Hartford home value?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What's the average solar system size in West Hartford?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in West Hartford?
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
If you choose a lease, you'll make set monthly payments.
With both leases and PPAs, you don't own your panels and lose eligibility for some incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
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