Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing 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: Solar panel systems with energy storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and well-being.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to The Hammocks Homeowners?
Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, 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 The Hammocks
The more informed your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately perform. Consider each of these criteria in your contractor search.
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. Florida also allows electrical contractors to install solar panels, but they may need to subcontract some tasks to a licensed roofer. Solar installers can also obtain accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in The Hammocks
Your solar panels' model will affect how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
Additional components, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors include these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's essential for you.
If you're a resident of The Hammocks and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $16,050 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,128 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $879 |
Thin-Film | $514 |
Solar Battery | $722 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,706 |
Financing Solar Energy in The Hammocks
Solar providers use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and cash payments. We suggest making a cash payment 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 minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each representative about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in The Hammocks.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates 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 The Hammocks
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How prevalent is solar energy in The Hammocks?
Will solar panels raise my The Hammocks home value?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a wooded, dark, or rainy area?
What maintenance do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
What's the average solar system size in The Hammocks?
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Dodging questions about warranties, training and credentials, cost and references
- Inflexible options
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- Limited customer feedback
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
If you choose a lease, you'll make set payments each month.
With both leases and PPAs, you do not own your panels and lose eligibility for some incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
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