Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple perks. Here are some highlights.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity right where you use it.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Olathe Homeowners?
Kansas homeowners who choose solar could qualify for rebates, special financing, tax credits and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the local 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 Olathe
The price and performance of solar panels often depend on which company installed them. Make your choice based on the following key factors.
Your solar modules' style will impact how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. 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 battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These upgrades extend your system’s efficiency while adding more conveniences to your home. Not every solar provider provides these additional features, so look for an installer that has them if it's important for you.
Licensing and Training
In Kansas, the state government doesn't doesn't issue solar contracting licenses, though some counties issue and require their own licenses for projects within their borders. Solar providers can also earn accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The top 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.
Financing Options
Solar contractors offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, loans, and 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 incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a 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) enables you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. We recommend working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each consultant about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Olathe
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How widespread is solar energy in Olathe?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after installing solar panels?
What can I do to assess my home's solar potential?
Is solar installation a quick job?
What maintenance do my solar panels need, and how frequently do they need it?
How can I boost my solar panels' performance?
- use energy-efficient appliances ,
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer ,
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels ,
- regularly clean your solar panels
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