Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home functioning through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity right where you use it. 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 means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Bradenton Homeowners?
The state of Florida offers numerous solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
All
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Residential: 100% of the added value
Non-Residential: 80% of the added value
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Website: floridapace.govIncentive Amount:
Determined locally
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: lakelandelectric.comIncentive Amount:
$5,000
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 Bradenton
The price and efficiency of solar panels often depend on the provider that installed them. Consider each of these elements in your company search.
Licensing and Training
Once an electrical professional in Florida has four years of field experience, including one year as an apprentice, they can pass two exams to earn a CV license with the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. Florida also allows electrical contractors to install solar panels, but they may need to subcontract some tasks to a licensed roofer. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed 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 Bradenton
The style of solar panels you select dictates how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
Additional system add-ons, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors provide these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's a priority for you.
Generally speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Bradenton. This table shows more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,150 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $897 |
| Thin-Film | $524 |
| Solar Battery | $736 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,759 |
Financing Solar Energy in Bradenton
There are a plethora of ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand 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. Similar to a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just 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 installers 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 Bradenton.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.7 years |
| 2 kW | 3.5 years |
| 5 kW | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | 17.3 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Bradenton
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How widespread is solar energy in Bradenton?
Will a solar PV system improve my Bradenton home worth?
How long does the solar panel installation process require?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What's the average solar system size in Bradenton?
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
If you choose a lease, you'll make fixed payments each month.
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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