Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
- Lower utility costs: Generating some or all of your own energy will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that allow you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Carpentersville Homeowners?
Illinois homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for special financing, reimbursements, tax credits and rebates. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.
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 Carpentersville
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar system. Consider each of these aspects in your company search.
Licensing and Training
In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission licenses distributed generation energy contractors, including residential solar contractors. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded 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 Carpentersville
Your solar panels' model will influence how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.
If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and convenient to use. Not every solar company includes these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's essential for you.
If you're a resident of Carpentersville and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $18,800 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,154 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $900 |
| Thin-Film | $526 |
| Solar Battery | $739 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,769 |
Financing Solar Energy in Carpentersville
Choosing the right financing solution will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements, and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee 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 suitable in specific circumstances. Ask each provider you're vetting about the payment plans it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the most suitable option for your financial situation.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Carpentersville.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.
| 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 Carpentersville
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy widely available in Carpentersville?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after installing solar panels?
What can I do to calculate my home's solar potential?
How long is a Carpentersville solar panel's average lifespan?
How long does the photovoltaic installation process last?
How can I enhance 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?
In contrast, solar loans can come from local banks, the government, installer and specialty lenders. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are more expensive, and you'll be responsible for upkeep, you'll also have complete ownership and can apply for many more financial rewards.
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