Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your monthly electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Lenexa Homeowners?
Kansas homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for tax credits, special financing, reimbursements and rebates. Here are just a few of the area'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 Lenexa
The purchase price and efficacy of solar panels often rely on the provider that mounted them. Here are some crucial criteria to bear in mind while shopping for a solar company.
Licensing and Training
In Kansas, the state government doesn't issue solar contracting licenses, though some cities issue and require their own licenses for projects within their borders. Solar providers can also earn certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Lenexa
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar contractors provide these additional features, so look for a provider that sells them if it's crucial for you.
A majority of Lenexa homeowners choose solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $16,700 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,140 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $889 |
| Thin-Film | $520 |
| Solar Battery | $729 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,735 |
Financing Solar Energy in Lenexa
There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, leases, and loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand 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. Much like an auto or home 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) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each provider you're considering about the payment options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Lenexa.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased 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 Lenexa
How much money could I save by going solar in Lenexa?
Is solar energy widely available in Lenexa?
Should I expect a property value increase after going solar?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a dark, rainy, or wooded area?
What is a Lenexa solar panel's average lifespan?
How long does the solar installation process take?
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- Aggressive sales pitch
- Being evasive about warranties, cost, training and credentials and references
- Inflexible options
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- No business filing with your local secretary of state
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