Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
- Lower energy bills: Sourcing 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 extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems work through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and comfort.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Kissimmee Homeowners?
The state of Florida offers numerous solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of eligible 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 Kissimmee
The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often hinge on which company installed them. Here are some essential aspects to bear in mind while searching 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 tests 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. 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 Kissimmee
The kind of solar panels you choose decides how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
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 efficiency. Not all solar companies offer these add-ons, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $16,050 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Kissimmee. This table shows more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,152 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $899 |
Thin-Film | $525 |
Solar Battery | $737 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,765 |
Financing Solar Energy in Kissimmee
There are a plethora of ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, and cash payments. We advise paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. 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 advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Ask each provider you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the optimal option for your financial situation.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Kissimmee.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even 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 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Solar Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Kissimmee
How much money could I save by going solar in Kissimmee?
Is solar energy easily accessible in Kissimmee?
Will solar energy systems boost my Kissimmee home value?
What if I live in a gloomy or rainy
Is installing solar panels a fast job?
What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
In contrast, solar loans can come from the government, specialty lenders, installer and local banks. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are larger, and you'll be responsible for upkeep, you'll also have complete ownership and can apply for many more incentives.
Should I get quotes from multiple Kissimmee solar companies?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.