Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
- Reduced energy costs: Sourcing some or all of your own electricity will save you money on your electric bills 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.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Deerfield Beach Homeowners?
The state of Florida offers a variety of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of eligible 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 Deerfield Beach
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar energy system. Consider each of these factors in your business 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. The Sunshine State also allows electrical contractors to install solar panels, but they may need to subcontract some tasks to a licensed roofer. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Deerfield Beach
The kind of solar panels you select determines how much electricity 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 meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar providers include these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.
You can plan to spend about $16,050 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Deerfield Beach. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Deerfield Beach solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,095 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $854 |
| Thin-Film | $499 |
| Solar Battery | $701 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,629 |
Financing Solar Energy in Deerfield Beach
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 cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans and solar leases. Most solar experts recommend paying cash 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 car or home 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 just for the energy you use, much like 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. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Deerfield Beach.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own rebates, financing programs, and incentives that could save you more money.
| 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 Deerfield Beach
How much money could I save by going solar in Deerfield Beach?
How widespread is solar energy in Deerfield Beach?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after switching to solar energy?
How long does a standard solar system last?
What care do my solar panels need, and how frequently do they need it?
What size should my new Deerfield Beach solar system be?
How can I enhance my solar array's performance?
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?
You might consider a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintaining your panels and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any cost-saving solar incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other payment options above.
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