Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and well-being.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the added cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Spring Valley Homeowners?
Nevada agencies and electric companies offer a number of solar incentives to help lower 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: 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 Spring Valley
The more informed your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately operate. Here are some important factors to remember while shopping for a solar installer.
Licensing and Training
Nevada requires a contractor installing a solar photovoltaic system to acquire a C-37 license from the Nevada State Contractors Board. Solar thermal system installers should obtain either a C-1 (plumbing and heating) license or the appropriate C-37 specialization for their work. Solar companies can also obtain accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected 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 Spring Valley
The style of solar panels you select dictates how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. 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 components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors include these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $15,400 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Spring Valley. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
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 Spring Valley
There are various ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and loans. We advise making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the highest 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 spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by 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 cannot use 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 Spring Valley.
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. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, financing programs, 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 Spring Valley
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How common is solar energy in Spring Valley?
Should I expect a property value increase after adopting solar power?
Is solar panel installation a fast job?
What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how frequently do they need it?
What's the average solar system size in Spring Valley?
How can I boost my solar panels' 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
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