Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with energy storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the electrical grid for your safety and comfort.
- Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you produce power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Calumet City Homeowners?
Illinois agencies and electric companies offer multiple solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.
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 Calumet City
The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately operate. Here are some crucial criteria to bear in mind while shopping for a solar provider.
Licensing and Training
In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission issues licenses to distributed generation energy contractors, including solar installers. Solar installers can also obtain certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Calumet City
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options 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.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's performance. Not every solar contractor provides these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.
You can expect to pay about $18,800 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Calumet City. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Calumet City solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| 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 Calumet City
Choosing the optimal financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements. Though it requires 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 next best option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to 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. Ask each business you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A representative can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Calumet City.
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. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.
| 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 Calumet City
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How prevalent is solar energy in Calumet City?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after installing solar panels?
What can I do to estimate my home's solar viability?
What is a Calumet City solar panel's average lifespan?
What's the average solar system size in Calumet City?
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- Pushy sales approach
- Not being straightforward about references, warranties, training and credentials and cost
- "One-size-fits-all" approach
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- Limited online information
Should I get quotes from multiple Calumet City solar companies?
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