Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the added cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to High Point Homeowners?
Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
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: Rebate Program
Website: duke-energy.comIncentive Amount:
Central Air Conditioning or Heat Pump: $300 - $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Attic Insulation or Attic Air Sealing: $250
Duct Sealing: $100
Variable-Speed Pool Pumps: $300
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: 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 High Point
The price and efficiency of solar panels often rely on which company mounted them. Here are some important factors to consider while shopping for a solar installer.
Licensing and Training
A licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina may oversee home solar photovoltaic installations in North Carolina if they have the relevant classification from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed 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 High Point
Your photovoltaic panels' style will influence how much electricity 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.
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 providers include these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.
You can plan to spend about $17,550 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in High Point. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount High Point solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,078 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $841 |
Thin-Film | $492 |
Solar Battery | $690 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,587 |
Financing Solar Energy in High Point
Solar providers offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar leases, solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We recommend paying with cash or securing 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce 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 monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for installers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in High Point.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments 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 | 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 High Point
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How popular is solar energy in High Point?
Will solar energy systems boost my High Point home value?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a dark, rainy, or wooded area?
Is solar panel installation a quick job?
How do I care for my new solar system?
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
Should I get quotes from multiple High Point solar companies?
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