Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple perks. Here are some highlights.
- Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant number of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Paradise Homeowners?
Nevada homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for special financing, reimbursements, rebates and tax credits. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.
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 Paradise
The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately work. Consider all of these elements in your service provider search.
Licensing and Training
Nevada requires a contractor installing a solar photovoltaic 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 subclassification for their work. Solar installers can also earn certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The top ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Paradise
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more efficient and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors include these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.
You can plan to spend about $15,400 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Paradise. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Paradise solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
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 Paradise
Choosing the correct financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, leases, loans, and power purchase agreements. Though it requires 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 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 cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each business you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A representative can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Paradise.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.
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 Paradise
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy easily accessible in Paradise?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after switching to solar energy?
How can I evaluate my home's solar viability?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What's the average solar system size in Paradise?
How can I enhance my solar system's performance?
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
Should I get quotes from multiple Paradise solar companies?
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