Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
- Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home functioning through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Pensacola Homeowners?
Florida homeowners who choose solar could qualify for tax credits, reimbursements, special financing and rebates. 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 Pensacola
The more thorough your company investigation is, the better your solar installation will ultimately work. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.
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. 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 recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted 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 Pensacola
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar company offers these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's essential for you.
Most Pensacola homeowners select solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $16,050 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,134 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $884 |
| Thin-Film | $517 |
| Solar Battery | $726 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,721 |
Financing Solar Energy in Pensacola
Solar installers offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases and solar loans. We advise making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the highest 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize 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 pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for contractors that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Pensacola.
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 Pensacola
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy common in Pensacola?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after adopting solar power?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a dark, wooded, or rainy area?
What can I do to predict my home's solar viability?
What is a Pensacola solar panel's average lifespan?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
Some states or energy providers oblige you to join net metering when installing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you sign up, you'll earn a bill credit or check for your excess generation at a wholesale or retail rate.
What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?
In contrast, solar loans can come from the government, local banks, specialty lenders and installer. 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 maintenance, you'll also have full ownership rights and can apply for many more benefits.
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