Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Lowered energy bills: You can skip the premium cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the electrical grid for your safety and well-being.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Ormond Beach Homeowners?
The state of Florida offers numerous solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of available 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 Ormond Beach
The purchase price and efficacy of solar panels often hinge on the solar company that mounted them. Here are some crucial criteria to remember 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 credentials. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer 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 Ormond Beach
Your solar panels' model will impact how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.
Additional system add-ons, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar provider includes these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's a priority for you.
You can expect to pay about $16,050 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Ormond Beach. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Ormond Beach solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,092 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $852 |
Thin-Film | $498 |
Solar Battery | $699 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,620 |
Financing Solar Energy in Ormond Beach
There are many ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, leases, and cash payments. 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. Like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for contractors that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Ormond Beach.
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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Ormond Beach
How much money could I save by going solar in Ormond Beach?
How prevalent is solar energy in Ormond Beach?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after installing solar panels?
What's a Ormond Beach solar panel's average lifespan?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What is the average payback period for Ormond Beach solar panels?
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- Aggressive sales pitch
- Dodging questions about cost, references, training and credentials and warranties
- Limited or no customization
- Rushing through the site assessment
- Limited customer feedback
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