Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your regular electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the power grid for your safety and comfort.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Sparks Homeowners?
The state of Nevada offers several solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.
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: Rebate Program
Website: nvenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Northern Nevada electric customers: $3,000/project up to 50% of system cost
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 Sparks
The more informed your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately operate. 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 pool or water heating installers should obtain either a C-1 (plumbing and heating) license or the appropriate C-37 subclassification for their work. Solar providers can also earn accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most recognized 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 Sparks
Your photovoltaic panels' model will impact how much electricity you can produce. 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.
Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies provide these add-ons, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $15,400 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Sparks. This table shows more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,243 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $970 |
Thin-Film | $567 |
Solar Battery | $796 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,984 |
Financing Solar Energy in Sparks
Choosing the right financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, loans, and leases. We recommend paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for installers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Sparks.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment 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 | 2.0 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 Sparks
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How prevalent is solar energy in Sparks?
Will solar panels increase my Sparks home value?
How can I determine my property's solar suitability?
How many years does a standard solar system last?
What is the average payback period for Sparks solar panels?
How are a solar lease and PPA different?
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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