Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, decreasing your monthly electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to St. Petersburg Homeowners?
The state of Florida offers several solar incentives to help reduce 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 St. Petersburg
The cost and efficacy of solar panels often hinge on the solar company that installed them. Consider each of these criteria in your company search.
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. 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 Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded 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 St. Petersburg
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 produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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.
If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and user-friendly. Not all solar providers provide these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.
You can plan to spend about $16,050 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in St. Petersburg. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much St. Petersburg 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 | $2,621 |
Financing Solar Energy in St. Petersburg
Choosing the ideal financing plan will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid 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 car 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) enables you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like 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. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each salesperson about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in St. Petersburg.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and dedicated financing plans 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 St. Petersburg
How much money could I save by going solar in St. Petersburg?
Is solar energy widely available in St. Petersburg?
Should I expect a property value increase after installing solar panels?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a wooded, rainy, or dark area?
What care do my solar panels need, and how frequently do they need it?
What is the average payback period for St. Petersburg solar panels?
What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?
You might think about a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintenance and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any cost-saving solar incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other payment options above.
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