Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have dependable energy during storms and grid outages.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
- Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Roswell Homeowners?
New Mexico agencies and electric companies offer a variety of solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Check out 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 Roswell
The more informed your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately work. Here are some key items to keep in mind while searching for a solar provider.
Licensing and Training
New Mexico regulations mandate that solar installation supervisors must be master electricians or plumbers, with journeymen leading the piping and wiring work. Each journeyman assigned to your project will have at least two years of experience installing solar equipment. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Roswell
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 produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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.
Additional components, 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 contractors provide these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $19,650 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Roswell. This table shows more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $913 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $712 |
Thin-Film | $416 |
Solar Battery | $584 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,192 |
Financing Solar Energy in Roswell
There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for companies that offer two or more 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 Roswell.
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 specialized financing options 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 Roswell
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy common in Roswell?
Will solar energy systems boost my Roswell home value?
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What size should my new Roswell solar system be?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Roswell?
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