Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
- Lower utility costs: Producing 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 surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar 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 Enterprise Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: swgas.comIncentive Amount:
Water Heating: $225
Solar Water Heating: $13/therm
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: swgas.comIncentive Amount:
Varies based on program "step" - see program website.
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: Nvenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Solar (As of 9/24/18):
Residential/Commercial/Industrial (25 kW or smaller): $0.20 / watt-AC
Low Income/Nonprofit/Public Entity (25 kW or smaller): $0.45 / watt-AC
Residential/Commercial/Industrial (greater than 25 kW): $0.0250 / kWh
Low Income/Nonprofit/Public Entity (greater than 25 kW): $0.0550 / kWh
Wind (As of 9/24/18):
Residential/Commercial/Industrial: $0.40 / watt-AC
Low Income/Nonprofit/Public Entity: $0.80 / watt-AC
Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive
Website: nvtrec.comIncentive Amount:
Varies; higher value for solar PECs than other technologies
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 Enterprise
The cost and performance of solar panels often rely on which company installed them. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.
Licensing and Training
Nevada requires a contractor installing a solar PV system to carry a C-37 license from the Nevada State Contractors Board. Solar thermal system installers should have either a C-1 (plumbing and heating) license or the appropriate C-37 specialization for their work. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed 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 Enterprise
The style of solar panels you select decides how much power you can produce. 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 electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies provide these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.
If you're a resident of Enterprise and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $15,400 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,168 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $911 |
Thin-Film | $532 |
Solar Battery | $747 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,802 |
Financing Solar Energy in Enterprise
There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. 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 next best 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 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. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each agent about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Enterprise.
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 | 2.0 years |
2 kW | 4.1 years |
5 kW | 10.2 years |
10 kW | 20.3 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Enterprise
How much money could I save by going solar in Enterprise?
Is solar energy readily available in Enterprise?
Should I anticipate a property value increase after adopting solar power?
What if I live in a dark or heavily-wooded
How long does the solar installation process last?
What size should my new Enterprise solar system be?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
Some states or energy providers require you to enroll in net metering when purchasing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you sign up, you'll receive a check or bill credit for your excess generation at a retail or wholesale rate.
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