Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple perks. Here are some highlights.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, decreasing your monthly electricity costs. 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.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Dunedin Homeowners?
The state of Florida offers a number of solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Here is 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 Dunedin
The cost and performance of solar panels often rely on the solar company that installed them. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.
Licensing and Training
Once an electrical professional in Florida has four years of field experience, including one year as an apprentice, they can take 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. 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 Dunedin
Your photovoltaic panels' model will influence how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's performance. Not all solar providers provide these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.
Generally speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Dunedin. This table shows more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,092 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $852 |
| Thin-Film | $498 |
| Solar Battery | $699 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,621 |
Financing Solar Energy in Dunedin
There are numerous ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, and cash payments. 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. Similar to a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only 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 providers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Dunedin.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, 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 Dunedin
How much money could I save by going solar in Dunedin?
Is solar energy readily available in Dunedin?
Will solar panels raise my Dunedin home worth?
Is solar panel installation a quick job?
What size should my new Dunedin solar system be?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Dunedin?
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- Pressuring you into signing a contract
- Not being straightforward about credentials and training, warranties, cost and references
- "One-size-fits-all" approach
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- Limited online information
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
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