Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple perks. Here are some highlights.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, reducing your regular 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: Solar energy can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Hialeah Homeowners?
Florida homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for reimbursements, rebates, tax credits and special financing. Here are just a few of the region's incentive programs.
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 Hialeah
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Consider each of these factors in your contractor search.
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 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 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 Hialeah
The kind of solar panels you select determines how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. 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 meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies offer these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.
You can plan to spend about $16,050 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Hialeah. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Hialeah solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,128 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $879 |
Thin-Film | $514 |
Solar Battery | $722 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,706 |
Financing Solar Energy in Hialeah
Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases and cash payments. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin 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 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 Hialeah.
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. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs 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 Hialeah
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How common is solar energy in Hialeah?
Will solar panels improve my Hialeah home value?
What if I live in a rainy or heavily-wooded
What's the average solar system size in Hialeah?
What is the average payback period for Hialeah solar panels?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
Some states or energy providers oblige you to participate in net metering when installing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you join, you'll earn a bill credit or check for your excess generation at a retail or wholesale rate.
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
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