Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
- Better energy independence: Solar panels can keep your home functioning through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
- Lowered energy bills: You can skip the expensive cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Overland Park Homeowners?
The state of Kansas offers a number of solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of available 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 Overland Park
The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately perform. Here are some important factors to keep in mind while searching for a solar specialist.
Your solar panels' model will impact how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.
If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you'll usually pay extra for add-ons. These upgrades extend your system’s efficiency while adding more conveniences to your home. Not all solar contractors include these extras, so look for an installer that has them if it's a priority for you.
Licensing and Training
In Kansas, the state government doesn't doesn't issue solar contracting licenses, though some cities issue and require their own licenses for projects within their borders. Solar companies can also earn certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected 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 installers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Common payment options include cash payments, leases, loans, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment 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 incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a car 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, like an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for companies that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Overland Park
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How widespread is solar energy in Overland Park?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after adopting solar power?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a wooded, rainy, or dark area?
How can I determine my site's solar viability?
What size should my new Overland Park solar system be?
How can I maximize my solar panels' performance?
- regularly clean your solar panels ,
- 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
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