Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Greenwood Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: in.govIncentive Amount:
Solar energy systems used for heating or cooling: out-of-pocket expenditures by the owner for the components and labor
Wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar thermal, solar PV, and other solar energy systems: the assessed value of the system
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: rse.coopIncentive Amount:
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
Mini-Split Heat Pump: $300-$1,500
Heat Pump/Hybrid Water Heater: $500
Single Speed Compressor: $800
Dual/Variable Speed Compressor: $750 - $1,500
HVAC Tune-Up: 50% of cost
Lighting: Varies
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: powermoves.comIncentive Amount:
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $500
Pool Pumps: $250/unit
Heat Pump Water Heaters: $400/unit
Air-Source Heat Pumps: $250 - $1,500/unit
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $1,500/unit
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: sciremc.comIncentive Amount:
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
Air-Source, Ductless Mini Split, or Dual Fuel Heat Pump with Dual/Variable Speed Compressor: $750
Air-Source, Ductless Mini Split, or Dual Fuel Heat Pump with Single Speed Compressor Replacing Electric Resistance Heat: $800
Air-Source, Ductless Mini Split, or Dual Fuel Heat Pump with Dual/Variable Speed Compressor Replacing Electric Resistance Heat: $1,500
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: nobleremc.comIncentive Amount:
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $500
Variable Speed Pool Pump: $250
Air-Source Heat Pump: $250-$750
Ground Source Heat Pump: $1500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $400
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: jcremc.comIncentive Amount:
Air Source Heat Pumps: $750/unit - $1,500/unit
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $1,500/unit
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500/unit
Mini-Split ductless Heat Pump: $750/unit - $1500/unit
Lighting: Instant rebates through online lighting store (small businesses, farms, or workshops)
Incentive Type: Feed-in Tariff
Website: nipsco.comIncentive Amount:
Wind 3 - 10 kW: $0.23 - $0.25/kWh
Wind 10 kW-200 kW: $0.15 - $0.138/kWh
Solar 5 kW - 10 kW: $0.17 - $0.1564/kWh
Solar 10 - 200 kW: $0.15/kWh - $0.138/kWh
Biomass 100kW - 1 MW: $0.0918/kWh
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: duke-energy.comIncentive Amount:
HVAC Install (Heat Pumps, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Central Air Conditioners): $300 - $400/unit with additional $125 if installed along with a smart thermostat
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Attic Insulation and Air Sealing: $250/unit
Duct Sealing: $100/unit
Variable Speed Pool Pump: $300
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 Greenwood
The cost and effectiveness of solar panels often rely on which company installed them. Here are some crucial criteria to consider while searching for a solar provider.
Licensing and Training
Indiana does not issue electrical or solar contracting licenses at the state level, but local communities might adopt their own licensing programs. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional 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 Greenwood
Your solar panels' type will affect how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more efficient and user-friendly. Not every solar provider offers these add-ons, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's crucial for you.
You can expect to pay about $20,500 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Greenwood. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Greenwood solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,122 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $875 |
Thin-Film | $512 |
Solar Battery | $718 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,693 |
Financing Solar Energy in Greenwood
Choosing the ideal financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include loans, leases, cash payments, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend paying cash 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 an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you 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 panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for providers that offer multiple 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 Greenwood.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Extra 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 | 2.1 years |
2 kW | 4.1 years |
5 kW | 10.4 years |
10 kW | 20.7 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Greenwood
How much money could I save by going solar in Greenwood?
How widespread is solar energy in Greenwood?
Will a solar PV system increase my Greenwood home value?
How many years will an average solar system last?
How long does the solar installation process take?
What size should my new Greenwood solar system be?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
Some states or energy providers mandate you to join net metering when installing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you participate, you'll get a bill credit or check for your excess generation at a wholesale or retail rate.
How are a solar lease and PPA different?
You don't own the panels with either option, though you can choose to opt out of the contract for a fee.
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