Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: With solar energy systems, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic systems with battery backups operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the grid for your safety and comfort.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Miami Beach Homeowners?
Florida homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for reimbursements, special financing, rebates and tax credits. Here are just a few of the region's incentive offerings.
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 Miami Beach
The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often hinge on the provider that mounted them. Consider each of these factors in your business search.
The kind of solar panels you select dictates how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point 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.
Additional accessories, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will add to your overall investment. By selecting the right ones, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not every solar provider provides these add-ons, so look for a contractor that has them if it's crucial for you.
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 exams 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 respected 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.
Financing Options
Solar companies use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements, and leases. 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 incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each installer you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Miami Beach
How much money could I save by going solar in Miami Beach?
Is solar energy common in Miami Beach?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after going solar?
What if I live in a rainy or dark
What's a Miami Beach solar panel's average lifespan?
What care do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- [RandomChoice||High-pressure sales tactics|Aggressive sales pitch|Pushy sales approach|Pressuring you into signing a contract]
- [RandomChoice||Dodging questions|Not being straightforward|Being evasive] about {"cost, warranties, references, the crew's [RandomChoice||credentials and training|training and credentials]"|shuffle_list("or")}
- [RandomChoice||Limited or no customization|"One-size-fits-all" approach|Inflexible options]
- [RandomChoice||Not thoroughly inspecting your site|Superficial, rushed site evaluation|Rushing through the site assessment]
- [RandomChoice||No references or testimonials|More mixed or negative reviews than positive ones|Limited customer feedback|Limited online information|No business filing with your local secretary of state]
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
You don't own the panels with either option, though you can choose to opt out of the contract for a fee.
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