Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, lowering your regular electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with energy storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and well-being.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Olathe Homeowners?
Kansas agencies and electric companies offer a variety of solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.
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 cost and efficiency of solar panels often hinge on which company installed them. Consider each of these elements in your contractor search.
Licensing and Training
In Kansas, the state government doesn't issue solar contracting licenses, though some counties issue and require their own licenses for projects within their borders. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most prestigious 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 Olathe
Your photovoltaic panels' style will influence how much power 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.
Additional system add-ons, 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 all solar companies include these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.
If you're a resident of Olathe and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $16,700 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs 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 Olathe
Choosing the best financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include leases, cash payments, power purchase agreements, 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. Like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like 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. Look for contractors that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Olathe.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional 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 Olathe
How much money could I save by going solar in Olathe?
Is solar energy common in Olathe?
Should I anticipate a property value increase after switching to solar energy?
What can I do to predict my home's solar potential?
How long does the solar panel installation process require?
What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
How can I boost my solar panels' 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
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