Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and comfort.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, lowering your periodic electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant number 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 Huntersville Homeowners?
North Carolina homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for rebates, tax credits, special financing and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the region'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: 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 Huntersville
The purchase price and efficacy of solar panels often rely on the solar company that installed them. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.
Licensing and Training
A licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina may oversee home solar PV installations in North Carolina if they have the appropriate classification from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Huntersville
Your photovoltaic panels' style will influence how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. 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'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,550 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Huntersville. This table shows more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,243 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $969 |
Thin-Film | $567 |
Solar Battery | $795 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,983 |
Financing Solar Energy in Huntersville
Solar installers 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 leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans and cash payments. We recommend making a cash payment 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut 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 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) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. We suggest working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each consultant about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Huntersville.
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 Huntersville
How much money could I save by going solar in Huntersville?
How prevalent is solar energy in Huntersville?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after adopting solar power?
How can I check my site's solar viability?
What's the average solar system size in Huntersville?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Huntersville?
How can I maximize 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
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- Pushy sales approach
- Dodging questions about references, warranties, cost and training and credentials
- Inflexible options
- Superficial, rushed site evaluation
- No business filing with your local secretary of state
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