Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple perks. Here are some highlights.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Lowered energy bills: You can skip 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 Leavenworth Homeowners?
Kansas homeowners who go solar could qualify for reimbursements, tax credits, rebates and special financing. Here are just a few of the region's incentive offerings.
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 Leavenworth
The more informed your company research is, the better your solar installation will ultimately perform. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.
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. Solar companies can also obtain accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Leavenworth
The type of solar panels you choose dictates how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.
Additional accessories, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar provider provides these optional components, so look for a company that installs 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 Leavenworth. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Leavenworth solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,040 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $811 |
| Thin-Film | $474 |
| Solar Battery | $666 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,496 |
Financing Solar Energy in Leavenworth
There are numerous ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and loans. 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. Similar to a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each installer 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 Leavenworth.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
| 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 Leavenworth
How much money could I save by going solar in Leavenworth?
Is solar energy widely available in Leavenworth?
Will solar energy systems increase my Leavenworth home worth?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a wooded, dark, or rainy area?
How many years does a typical solar system last?
How do I care for my new solar system?
How can I enhance my solar array'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
How are a solar lease and PPA different?
If you choose a lease, you'll make set payments each month.
With both leases and PPAs, you don't own your panels and lose eligibility for some incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
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