Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
- Reduced energy costs: Generating some or all of your own electricity will save you money on your electric bills long-term.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Miami Homeowners?
Florida agencies and electric companies offer a number of solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of relevant 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: Green Building Incentive
Website: miamidade.govIncentive Type: PACE Financing
Website: miamidade.govIncentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: fkec.comIncentive Amount:
Central A/C: 30%
Ductless Mini Split A/C: 30%
Room A/C: 30 %
Solar Water Heating: 30%
Insulation: 30%
Window Film/Solar Screen: 100%
Caulk/Weather-Stripping: 100%
Cool/Reflective Roof Coating: $25 per 5 gallon bucket
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
The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar panels will ultimately operate. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. By choosing the right ones, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor includes these additional features, so look for a provider that has them if it's essential 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 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. Further check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Financing Options
Solar contractors offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate 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 appropriate in specific circumstances. Look for providers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Miami
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy readily available in Miami?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after going solar?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a dark, rainy, or wooded area?
How long does the solar panel installation process take?
What size should my new Miami solar system be?
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- [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 traditional financing?
In contrast, solar loans can come from the government, local banks, specialty lenders and your installer's partners. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are greater and you'll be responsible for taking care of the system, you'll also have full ownership rights and can apply for many more financial rewards.
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