Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.
- Smaller power bills: Generating some or all of your own electricity will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home functioning through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Macomb Homeowners?
Michigan homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for special financing, tax credits, reimbursements and rebates. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: michigansaves.orgIncentive Amount:
$30,000
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 Macomb
The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately operate. Here are some important factors to remember while shopping for a solar provider.
Licensing and Training
Michigan law has a de facto licensing requirement for solar photovoltaic installers. In other words, there's no explicit requirement for solar installers to have a license, but workers dealing with electrical wiring jobs do need a license. Solar thermal systems must be installed by a licensed mechanical contractor. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Macomb
Your photovoltaic panels' model will impact how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.
If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more efficient and user-friendly. Not all solar providers include these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's important for you.
A majority of Macomb homeowners select solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $20,300 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,144 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $892 |
| Thin-Film | $521 |
| Solar Battery | $732 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,745 |
Financing Solar Energy in Macomb
There are numerous ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and leases. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Ask each provider you're evaluating about the payment plans it offers. A team member 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 Macomb.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further 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 | 2.1 years |
| 2 kW | 4.1 years |
| 5 kW | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | 20.5 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Macomb
How much money could I save by going solar in Macomb?
How prevalent is solar energy in Macomb?
Will solar energy systems increase my Macomb home price?
How long does the solar installation process take?
What maintenance do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
What size should my new Macomb solar system be?
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
In contrast, solar loans can come from local banks, the government, specialty lenders and installer. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are greater, and you'll be responsible for maintenance, you'll also have total ownership and can apply for many more benefits.
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