Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the electrical grid for your safety and well-being.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Lehigh Acres Homeowners?
Florida homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for rebates, tax credits, reimbursements 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 Lehigh Acres
The more informed your company research is, the better your solar panels will ultimately operate. Consider all of these criteria in your company 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. Solar providers can also obtain certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Lehigh Acres
The kind of solar panels you choose decides 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 meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more productive and user-friendly. Not every solar provider offers these optional components, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's crucial for you.
You can expect to pay about $16,050 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Lehigh Acres. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Lehigh Acres solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,091 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $851 |
Thin-Film | $498 |
Solar Battery | $698 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,619 |
Financing Solar Energy in Lehigh Acres
There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, loans, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash 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. Like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Ask each installer you're considering about the payment plans it offers. A staff member can help you determine the most suitable option for your financial situation.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Lehigh Acres.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities 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 Lehigh Acres
How much money could I save by going solar in Lehigh Acres?
How prevalent is solar energy in Lehigh Acres?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after adopting solar power?
What if I live in a rainy or gloomy
Is solar installation a fast job?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Lehigh Acres?
How can I maximize my solar array'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
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