Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, reducing your periodic 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 energy can keep your home functioning through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Wesley Chapel Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often reward 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 Wesley Chapel
The more informed your provider search is, the better your solar panels will ultimately work. Here are some crucial criteria to consider while searching for a solar company.
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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Wesley Chapel
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.
Additional accessories, 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 every solar provider includes these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.
If you're a resident of Wesley Chapel and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $16,050 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,108 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $864 |
Thin-Film | $505 |
Solar Battery | $709 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,660 |
Financing Solar Energy in Wesley Chapel
There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, loans, and leases. We recommend 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut 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 benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable 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 provider you're vetting about the payment options it offers. A team member can help you determine the most suitable option for your pocketbook.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Wesley Chapel.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment 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 Wesley Chapel
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy widely available in Wesley Chapel?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after adopting solar power?
What if I live in a gloomy or dark
How long does the photovoltaic installation process require?
What is the average payback period for Wesley Chapel solar panels?
How can I maximize my solar system's performance?
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- Pressuring you into signing a contract
- Not being straightforward about cost, warranties, references and credentials and training
- "One-size-fits-all" approach
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- Limited online information
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