Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.
- Lowered energy bills: You can skip the expensive cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Naperville Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.
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 Naperville
The price and effectiveness of solar panels often depend on the provider that installed them. Make your choice based on the following key factors.
Licensing and Training
In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission regulates distributed generation energy contractors, including residential solar contractors. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of 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 Naperville
Your photovoltaic panels' type will impact how much energy 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 have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar providers offer these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $18,800 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Naperville. This table lists more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,248 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $974 |
| Thin-Film | $569 |
| Solar Battery | $799 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,996 |
Financing Solar Energy in Naperville
Solar installers use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans, cash payments and solar leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require 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. Like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for providers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Naperville.
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. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, financing programs, 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 Naperville
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How common is solar energy in Naperville?
Should I anticipate a property value increase after switching to solar energy?
What if I live in a heavily-wooded or dark
What care do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Naperville?
Should I get quotes from multiple Naperville solar companies?
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