Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the grid for your safety and comfort.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, lowering your periodic electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Horizon West Homeowners?
Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
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 Horizon West
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar system. Consider all of these elements in your business 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 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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed 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 Horizon West
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
Additional accessories, 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 providers include these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's a priority for you.
A majority of Horizon West homeowners select solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $16,050 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,135 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $885 |
Thin-Film | $517 |
Solar Battery | $726 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,723 |
Financing Solar Energy in Horizon West
Choosing the right financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include loans, power purchase agreements, cash payments, and leases. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand 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 a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. We recommend working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Horizon West.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, 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 Horizon West
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How widespread is solar energy in Horizon West?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after adopting solar power?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a wooded, rainy, or dark area?
How long does a standard solar system last?
How do I care for my new solar system?
How can I boost my solar system's performance?
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- Aggressive sales pitch
- Dodging questions about cost, references, warranties and credentials and training
- Limited or no customization
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- Limited customer feedback
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.