Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
- Reduced energy costs: Producing some or all of your own electricity will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Palm Coast Homeowners?
The state of Florida offers multiple solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Check out 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: Rebate Program
Website: clayelectric.comIncentive Amount:
Ceiling Insulation: $0.11 per square foot
Spray Foam Insulation: $0.28 per square foot
Window Film: $0.44 per square foot
Solar Shade Screen: $0.44 per square foot
Solar Water Heating: $0.01 per BTU
Heat Pump Water Heater: $175
Heat Recovery Unit: $200
HVAC: $250
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: clayelectric.comIncentive Amount:
$7,500
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: clayelectric.comIncentive Amount:
$7,500
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: clayelectric.comIncentive Amount:
$0.01 per BTU output
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 Palm Coast
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.
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 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. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Palm Coast
Your photovoltaic panels' type will impact how much electricity 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.
You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar contractors offer these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $16,050 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Palm Coast. This table lists more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,084 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $845 |
Thin-Film | $494 |
Solar Battery | $694 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,601 |
Financing Solar Energy in Palm Coast
There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and leases. 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 reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin to 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. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Palm Coast.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you 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 Palm Coast
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy readily available in Palm Coast?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after adopting solar power?
What if I live in a rainy or dark
How can I determine my site's solar feasibility?
Is solar installation a fast job?
Should I get quotes from multiple Palm Coast solar companies?
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