Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.
- Lower energy bills: Sourcing some or all of your own electricity will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating extra 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.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Clermont Homeowners?
Florida homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for reimbursements, special financing, rebates and tax credits. Here are just a few of the local incentive programs.
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 Clermont
The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar panels will ultimately work. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.
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 tests to earn a CV license with the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. The Sunshine State also allows electrical contractors to install solar panels, but they may need to subcontract some tasks to a licensed roofer. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Clermont
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 provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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.
If you'd like 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 efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies include these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.
Generally speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Clermont. This table displays more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,065 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $830 |
| Thin-Film | $485 |
| Solar Battery | $681 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,555 |
Financing Solar Energy in Clermont
Solar companies 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 cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car loan or mortgage, 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 allow you to use 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 do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for companies that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Clermont.
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 | 1.7 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 Clermont
How much money could I save by going solar in Clermont?
How common is solar energy in Clermont?
Will a solar PV system boost my Clermont home price?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a rainy, dark, or wooded area?
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How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
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