Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple 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 minimize or conquer your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
- Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. 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: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Arlington Heights Homeowners?
Illinois homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for reimbursements, rebates, tax credits and special financing. Here are just a few of the local incentive programs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: comed.comIncentive Amount:
Appliances
Air Purifier: $50
Clothes Washer: $50
Dehumidifier: $50
Electric Clothes Dryer: $50
Freezer: $50
Refrigerator: $50
Room Air Conditioner: $25
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: Free pickup and $50, plus an additional $10 if recycling a room A/C at the same time
Heating & Cooling
Air Source Heat Pump: $400 - $600
Central A/C: $300 - $600
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $400
Geothermal Heat Pump: Up to $6,000/home
Furnace Blower Motor (ECM): $50 - $100
Miscellaneous
Advanced Power Strip: $10
Air Sealing: Up to $400/home
Attic Insulation: Up to $300/home
Duct Sealing: Up to $500/home
Lighting: In-store discounts, varies
Pool Pump: $275
Smart Thermostat: $100
Wall Insulation: Up to $400/home
Incentive Type: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Website: icc.illinois.govIncentive Amount:
Negotiated with procurement administrators
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 Arlington Heights
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar energy system. Here are some crucial criteria to remember while shopping for a solar specialist.
Licensing and Training
In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission regulates distributed generation energy contractors, including solar installers. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, granted 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 Arlington Heights
The style of solar panels you purchase determines how much electricity you can generate. 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 the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.
Additional system add-ons, 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 company that installs them if it's essential for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $18,800 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Arlington Heights. This table displays more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,198 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $935 |
| Thin-Film | $546 |
| Solar Battery | $767 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,876 |
Financing Solar Energy in Arlington Heights
Solar companies use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans and solar leases. 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 an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each business you're vetting about the payment plans it offers. A team member can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Arlington Heights.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.8 years |
| 2 kW | 5.5 years |
| 5 kW | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | 27.6 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Arlington Heights
How much money could I save by going solar in Arlington Heights?
How widespread is solar energy in Arlington Heights?
Will solar energy systems boost my Arlington Heights home worth?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a dark, wooded, or rainy area?
How many years does a common solar system last?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Arlington Heights?
How can I boost 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'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 financing options above.
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