Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple perks. Let's look at a few of them.
- Lower energy bills: Generating some or all of your own energy will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
- 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.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Deltona Homeowners?
Florida's public agencies and power companies offer a variety of solar incentives to help minimize 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 Deltona
The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar installation will ultimately perform. Here are some important factors to bear in mind while shopping for a solar specialist.
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. 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 respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded 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 Deltona
Your solar modules' type will affect how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.
Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor provides these add-ons, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.
A majority of Deltona homeowners choose solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $16,050 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.
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 Deltona
Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans, solar leases and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require 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 allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. We advise working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Ask each representative 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 Deltona.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. City and state officials 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 Deltona
How much money could I save by going solar in Deltona?
How widespread is solar energy in Deltona?
Will solar energy systems improve my Deltona home worth?
What if I live in a rainy or gloomy
How long will a typical solar system last?
What is the average payback period for Deltona solar panels?
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- Pushy sales approach
- Dodging questions about warranties, credentials and training, references and cost
- "One-size-fits-all" approach
- Rushing through the site assessment
- Limited customer feedback
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
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 solar financial incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other payment options above.
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