Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on your power company for your safety and comfort.
- Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to DeLand Homeowners?
The state of Florida offers a number of solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of relevant 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 DeLand
The price and efficacy of solar panels often hinge on which company mounted them. Here are some key items to remember while shopping for a solar installer.
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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most respected 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 DeLand
Your photovoltaic panels' type will affect how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not all solar contractors offer these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.
You can expect to pay about $16,050 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in DeLand. Use the table in this section to get an idea of how much DeLand solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,092 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $852 |
| Thin-Film | $498 |
| Solar Battery | $699 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,620 |
Financing Solar Energy in DeLand
Choosing the best financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, cash payments, leases, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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. Like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We advise working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each agent about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in DeLand.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Further 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 | 1.7 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 DeLand
How much money could I save by going solar in DeLand?
Is solar energy readily available in DeLand?
Will solar energy systems raise my DeLand home worth?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a wooded, dark, or rainy area?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What is the average payback period for DeLand solar panels?
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
In contrast, solar loans can come from local banks, the government, installer and specialty lenders. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are greater, and you'll be responsible for upkeep, you'll also have total ownership and can apply for many more incentives.
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