Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, decreasing your periodic electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the electrical grid for your safety and comfort.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Sunrise Homeowners?
Governments and utility companies often incentivize homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.
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 Sunrise
The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately operate. 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. The Sunshine State 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 sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Sunrise
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.
Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies offer these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.
You can expect to pay about $16,050 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Sunrise. Use the table in this section to get an idea of how much Sunrise solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,095 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $854 |
| Thin-Film | $499 |
| Solar Battery | $701 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,629 |
Financing Solar Energy in Sunrise
Solar providers offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, solar leases 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 or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA 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 certain circumstances. Ask each business you're vetting about the payment options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Sunrise.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, and financing programs that could save you more money.
| 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 Sunrise
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy common in Sunrise?
Will solar energy systems increase my Sunrise home worth?
What is a Sunrise solar panel's average lifespan?
What maintenance do my solar panels need, and how frequently do they need it?
What is the average payback period for Sunrise solar panels?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
Some states or utilities require you to enroll in net metering when installing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you participate, you'll receive a check or bill credit for your excess generation at a wholesale or retail rate.
How are a solar lease and PPA different?
You don't own the panels with either option, though you can choose to "buy out" of the contract for a fee.
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