Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.
- Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the expensive cost of grid-tied power by generating 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.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the electrical grid for your safety and well-being.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Hutchinson Homeowners?
Kansas homeowners who go solar could qualify for special financing, reimbursements, rebates and tax credits. Here are just a few of the region's incentive programs.
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: 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 Hutchinson
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Consider all of these factors in your service provider search.
Licensing and Training
In Kansas, the state government hasn't implemented centralized solar contracting licenses, though some cities issue and require their own licenses for projects within their borders. 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, 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 Hutchinson
Your solar modules' style will influence how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. 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 need 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 panel array more effective and user-friendly. Not every solar provider provides these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.
You can plan to spend about $16,700 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Hutchinson. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Hutchinson solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,117 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $871 |
| Thin-Film | $509 |
| Solar Battery | $715 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,681 |
Financing Solar Energy in Hutchinson
Choosing the right financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, cash payments, loans, and leases. We advise paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin 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 salesperson 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 Hutchinson.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. City and state officials 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 | 1.7 years |
| 2 kW | 3.4 years |
| 5 kW | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | 16.9 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Hutchinson
How much money could I save by going solar in Hutchinson?
Is solar energy widely available in Hutchinson?
Will solar energy systems increase my Hutchinson home worth?
How many years will a typical solar system last?
What's the average solar system size in Hutchinson?
What is the average payback period for Hutchinson solar panels?
What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?
You might consider 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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