Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.
- Lowered energy bills: You can skip the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home functioning through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Farmington Homeowners?
The state of New Mexico offers a variety of solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Approximately 100%
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Website: emnrd.state.nm.usIncentive Amount:
100% of gross receipts from sale and installation of solar energy systems, dark-colored water tanks, and non-vented trombe walls
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: emnrd.state.nm.usIncentive Amount:
30%
Incentive Type: Corporate Tax Credit
Website: emnrd.state.nm.usIncentive Amount:
30%
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Website: emnrd.state.nm.usIncentive Amount:
Determined locally
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 Farmington
The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar panels will ultimately work. Consider all of these aspects in your business search.
Licensing and Training
New Mexico regulations mandate that solar installation supervisors must be master electricians or plumbers, with journeymen leading the wiring and piping work. Each journeyman assigned to your project will have at least two years of experience installing solar devices. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Farmington
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.
You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not every solar provider provides these add-ons, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.
Most Farmington homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $19,650 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,077 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $840 |
Thin-Film | $491 |
Solar Battery | $689 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,584 |
Financing Solar Energy in Farmington
Choosing the optimal financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, leases, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. Though it involves 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 runner-up 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 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 will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. We suggest working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each salesperson about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Farmington.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.
Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 1.4 years |
2 kW | 2.9 years |
5 kW | 7.2 years |
10 kW | 14.3 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Farmington
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy widely available in Farmington?
Will solar energy systems raise my Farmington home worth?
What is a Farmington solar panel's average lifespan?
What size should my new Farmington solar system be?
What is the average payback period for Farmington solar panels?
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
You don't own the panels with either option, though you can choose to opt out of the contract for a fee.
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