Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and comfort.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the added cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Wellington Homeowners?
Florida homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for special financing, tax credits, rebates and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the area'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 Wellington
The cost and efficacy of solar panels often rely on which company mounted them. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.
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. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of 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 Wellington
The type of solar panels you choose determines how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.
You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's performance. Not every solar contractor offers these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.
A majority of Wellington homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $16,050 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,126 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $878 |
| Thin-Film | $513 |
| Solar Battery | $720 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,702 |
Financing Solar Energy in Wellington
Choosing the correct financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, cash payments, leases, and loans. 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. Much like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like 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. Look for companies that offer several 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 Wellington.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
| 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 Wellington
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy common in Wellington?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after switching to solar energy?
What if I live in a dark or gloomy
How many years will a typical solar system last?
What's the average solar system size in Wellington?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
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