Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Smaller power bills: Generating some or all of your own electricity will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Greenville Homeowners?
North Carolina homeowners who choose solar could qualify for special financing, tax credits, reimbursements and rebates. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: duke-energy.comIncentive Amount:
Residential: $0.60/W-AC
Nonresidential: $0.50/W-AC
Nonprofit: $0.75/W-AC
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Residential systems: 100% of the appraised value
All other systems: 80% of the appraised value
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
No more than conventional equipment
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: energyunited.comIncentive Amount:
Heat Pumps (15 SEER): $150/unit
Heat Pumps (16 SEER): $300/unit
Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive
Website: ncgreenpower.orgIncentive Amount:
Varies by technology and system size
PV larger than 5 kW: must enter bid process
Wind up to 10 kW: $0.09/kWh
Wind larger than 10 kW: must enter bid process
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Incentive Type: Green Building Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Authorized by legislation for green buildings. Actual permit process to be determined by local government.
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: duke-energy.comIncentive Amount:
Central A/C or Heat Pump: $300 - $400 + 50 with smart thermostat
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $400 + 50 with smart thermostat
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Attic Insulation & Air Sealing: $250
Duct Sealing: $100
Pool Pump: $300
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 Greenville
The more informed your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately perform. Here are some crucial criteria to remember while searching for a solar specialist.
Licensing and Training
A licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina may supervise home solar photovoltaic installations in North Carolina if they have the pertinent classification from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Greenville
The kind of solar panels you purchase dictates how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar company offers these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.
A majority of Greenville homeowners select solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,550 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,149 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $896 |
Thin-Film | $524 |
Solar Battery | $735 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,757 |
Financing Solar Energy in Greenville
There are a plethora of ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car loan or mortgage, 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 let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like 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 contractors that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Greenville.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.
Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 2.1 years |
2 kW | 4.2 years |
5 kW | 10.4 years |
10 kW | 20.8 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Greenville
How much money could I save by going solar in Greenville?
Is solar energy common in Greenville?
Will solar panels increase my Greenville home value?
What if I live in a gloomy or rainy
What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how frequently do they need it?
What is the average payback period for Greenville solar panels?
How can I boost my solar array's 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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