Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.
- Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Holly Springs Homeowners?
North Carolina agencies and electric companies offer a variety of solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.
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 Holly Springs
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar energy system. Consider each of these criteria in your company search.
Licensing and Training
A licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina may oversee home solar PV 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 industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Holly Springs
The type of solar panels you select decides how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. 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 recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.
Additional components, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers offer these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.
Generally speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Holly Springs. This table displays more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,155 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $901 |
Thin-Film | $527 |
Solar Battery | $739 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,772 |
Financing Solar Energy in Holly Springs
Choosing the right financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. We suggest 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 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 pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for companies that offer multiple 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 Holly Springs.
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 financing plans and rebates 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 Holly Springs
How much money could I save by going solar in Holly Springs?
How widespread is solar energy in Holly Springs?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after switching to solar energy?
How can I assess my home's solar viability?
How many years will a typical solar system last?
Is solar installation a quick job?
How can I enhance 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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