Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lower energy bills: Producing 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 additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Fort Pierce Homeowners?
Florida homeowners who go solar could qualify for rebates, reimbursements, special financing and tax credits. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.
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: Rebate Program
Website: fpua.comIncentive Amount:
Solar Hot Water Heater: $450 per unit
Insulation (New): $0.40 per square ft
Insulation (Added): $0.125 per square ft
ENERGY STAR Refrigerator: $50 per unit
ENERGY STAR Room Air Conditioner: $150 per unit
High Efficiency Central A/C: $500
Tank Water Heater: $300 - $550 per unit
Tankless Water Heater: $550 - $675 per unit
Clothes Dryer: $100 - $200 per unit
Range: $100 - $150 per unit
Furnace: $500 - $725 per unit
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: fpua.comIncentive Amount:
$450 per system
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 Fort Pierce
The more thorough your provider search is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately work. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind while shopping for a solar provider.
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. 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 certifications. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional 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 Fort Pierce
Your solar panels' style will impact how much energy 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 have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies include these add-ons, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.
If you're a resident of Fort Pierce and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $16,050 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,076 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $839 |
Thin-Film | $491 |
Solar Battery | $689 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,583 |
Financing Solar Energy in Fort Pierce
There are many ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, cash payments, and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical 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 valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. Look for installers that offer multiple 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 Fort Pierce.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates 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 Fort Pierce
How much money could I save by going solar in Fort Pierce?
Is solar energy easily accessible in Fort Pierce?
Should I expect a property value increase after installing solar panels?
What maintenance do my solar panels need, and how frequently do they need it?
What size should my new Fort Pierce solar system be?
What is the average payback period for Fort Pierce solar panels?
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
You might look into a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintenance 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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