Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
- Lower energy bills: Producing some or all of your own power will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
- 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 fossil fuels.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Severna Park Homeowners?
Maryland agencies and electric companies offer a variety of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: energy.maryland.govIncentive Amount:
PV: $1,000/project (flat per installation/household incentive)
SWH: $500/project (flat per installation/household incentive)
New GHC: $3,000/project
GHC Replacement: $500/project
Incentive Type: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Website: psc.state.md.usIncentive Amount:
Varies based on market conditions
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption from sales and use tax
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% real property tax exemption for solar and wind energy property
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: energy.maryland.govIncentive Amount:
Stick Burning Stove: $500
Pellet Burning Stove: $700
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies by jurisdiction; credit may be available for up to 3 years.
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: bgesmartenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Appliances & Recycling
Clothes Dryer (Electric): $50
Clothes Washer: $75 - $100
Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Pool Pump: $150 - $400
Refrigerator: $100
Dehumidifier: $30
Refrigerator or Freezer Recycling: $50, plus $25 bonus when recycling an old, working room A/C or dehumidifier at the same time
Room A/C or Dehumidifier Recycling (*May 20, 2017 only*): $25
Smart Thermostat: $100
Heating & Cooling
Air-Source Heat Pump: $400 - $650
Central A/C: $300 - $500
Gas Furnace: $250
Furnace Blower Motor: $50 - $100
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
Lighting
Instant discounts vary by participating retailer; see program website
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: bgesmartenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Appliances & Recycling
Clothes Dryer (Electric): $50
Clothes Washer: $75 - $100
Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Pool Pump: $150 - $400
Refrigerator: $100
Dehumidifier: $30
Refrigerator or Freezer Recycling: $50, plus $25 bonus when recycling an old, working room A/C or dehumidifier at the same time
Room A/C or Dehumidifier Recycling (*May 20, 2017 only*): $25
Smart Thermostat: $100
Heating & Cooling
Air-Source Heat Pump: $400 - $650
Central A/C: $300 - $500
Gas Furnace: $250
Furnace Blower Motor: $50 - $100
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
Lighting
Instant discounts vary by participating retailer; see program website
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: energy.maryland.govIncentive Amount:
Residential: $4,000/kW of normalized capacity at 11 m/s
Community: $1000/kW - $4000/kW, depending on the system capacity
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: aacounty.orgIncentive Amount:
50% of the cost of materials and installation less any federal and state grants and state solar energy tax credits
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: aacounty.orgIncentive Amount:
LEED or NGBS Silver: 40% of property taxes for 5 years
LEED or NGBS Gold: 60% of real property taxes for 5 years
LEED Platinum or NGBS Emerald: 80% of real property taxes for 5 years
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 Severna Park
The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately perform. Here are some crucial criteria to bear in mind while shopping for a solar provider.
Licensing and Training
A Maryland solar photovoltaic installation team must include a Home Improvement Commission-licensed contractor and a master electrician with at least seven years of experience. The contractor installs the panels, while the master electrician pulls permits and connects the system to the grid. If you're installing a solar water heater, your contracting team must include a master plumber for permits and utility connections. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Severna Park
The style of solar panels you choose determines 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.
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 every solar company provides these add-ons, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's crucial for you.
Generally speaking, it costs about $17,700 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Severna Park. This table shows more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,214 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $947 |
Thin-Film | $553 |
Solar Battery | $777 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,913 |
Financing Solar Energy in Severna Park
Choosing the best financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, leases, loans, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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 a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each provider you're vetting about the payment options it offers. A team member can help you determine the most suitable option for your financial situation.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Severna Park.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 2.9 years |
2 kW | 5.7 years |
5 kW | 14.3 years |
10 kW | 28.6 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Severna Park
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy common in Severna Park?
Will a solar PV system increase my Severna Park home value?
What can I do to estimate my home's solar viability?
Is solar panel installation a fast job?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Severna Park?
What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?
In contrast, solar loans can come from specialty lenders, installer, the government and local banks. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are more expensive, and you'll be responsible for taking care of the system, you'll also have complete ownership and can apply for many more financial rewards.
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
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