Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple perks. Here are some highlights.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
- Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your 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 fossil fuels.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Hobbs Homeowners?
New Mexico's public agencies and power companies offer a range of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of relevant 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 Hobbs
The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately operate. Consider all of these factors in your service provider 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 panels. Solar installers can also pursue certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. 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 Hobbs
Your photovoltaic panels' model will affect how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar providers offer these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.
You can expect to pay about $19,650 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Hobbs. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Hobbs solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,133 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $884 |
Thin-Film | $517 |
Solar Battery | $725 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,720 |
Financing Solar Energy in Hobbs
Solar contractors offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar 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 cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. We advise working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each agent about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Hobbs.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even 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 Hobbs
How much money could I save by going solar in Hobbs?
Is solar energy widely available in Hobbs?
Will a solar PV system improve my Hobbs home worth?
What can I do to predict my home's solar viability?
What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
What's the average solar system size in Hobbs?
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 "buy out" of the contract for a fee.
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
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