Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
- Lowered energy bills: With solar energy systems, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Salina Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
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 Salina
The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately function. Consider all of these criteria in your business 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. Solar providers can also obtain certificates 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.
Cost of Solar Panels in Salina
The type of solar panels you purchase decides how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar contractor includes these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's important for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $16,700 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Salina. This table lists more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,045 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $815 |
| Thin-Film | $477 |
| Solar Battery | $669 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,508 |
Financing Solar Energy in Salina
Choosing the optimal financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, power purchase agreements, leases, and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only 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. Ask each business you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the most suitable option for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Salina.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.
| 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 Salina
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How common is solar energy in Salina?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after going solar?
Is solar installation a fast job?
How do I care for my new solar system?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Salina?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
Some states or power companies require you to enroll in net metering when installing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you sign up, you'll receive a bill credit or check for your excess generation at a wholesale or retail rate.
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
You don't own the panels with either option, though you can choose to "buy out" of the contract for a fee.
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