Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
- Reduced energy costs: Generating some or all of your own energy will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Greenacres Homeowners?
Florida agencies and electric companies offer a variety of solar incentives to help cut your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of available 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 Greenacres
The price and performance of solar panels often depend 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 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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Greenacres
The type of solar panels you select dictates how much power you can produce. 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 recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's performance. Not all solar contractors provide these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.
Generally speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Greenacres. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,126 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $878 |
Thin-Film | $513 |
Solar Battery | $720 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,702 |
Financing Solar Energy in Greenacres
There are a plethora of ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include loans, leases, cash payments, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). 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. Much like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $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 based only on the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. We recommend working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Greenacres.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment 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 Greenacres
How much money could I save by going solar in Greenacres?
Is solar energy widely available in Greenacres?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after installing solar panels?
Is solar panel installation a quick job?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What size should my new Greenacres solar system be?
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Being evasive about warranties, references, cost and training and credentials
- Limited or no customization
- Superficial, rushed site evaluation
- Limited customer feedback
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
You might think about 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 financing options above.
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