Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home functioning through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Levittown Homeowners?
Pennsylvania agencies and electric companies offer numerous solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: newpa.comIncentive Amount:
Residential loans/loan guarantees: $100,000
Commercial loans/loan guarantees: $2 million
Grants: Lesser of 10% of project costs or $500,000
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: newpa.comIncentive Amount:
Manufacturer loans: $40,000 per job created within 3 years
Manufacturer grants: $5,000 per job created within 3 years
Loans for geothermal systems: $3 per square foot of space served up to $5 million; also limited to 50% of eligible costs for residential systems.
Loans for wind energy production projects: $5 million
Grants for wind energy production projects: $1 million
Grants for feasibility studies: 50% of cost up to $175,000
Loan guarantee grants: Up to 75% of deficient funds up to $5 million
Incentive Type: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Website: pennaeps.comIncentive Amount:
Varies based on market conditions; during 2015 the market price for PA-sourced SRECs has ranged from approximately $32 - $55/MWh ($0.032 - $0.055/kWh) although individual trades have taken place at substantially lower and higher prices.
Incentive Type: Grant Program
Website: newpa.comIncentive Amount:
Vary by project, but program generally requires matching funds at least equivalent to DCED funding
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 Levittown
The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately perform. Here are some key items to keep in mind while searching for a solar company.
Licensing and Training
There are no state-level contracting licenses issued in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, so each city or county can set its own requirements and regulations. Solar installers can also obtain accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Levittown
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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.
You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar contractors provide these add-ons, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's crucial for you.
Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Levittown. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,134 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $884 |
| Thin-Film | $517 |
| Solar Battery | $725 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,721 |
Financing Solar Energy in Levittown
Choosing the ideal financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, cash payments, and loans. Though it involves 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 or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar 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. Ask each provider you're considering about the payment plans it offers. A consultant can help you determine the most suitable option for your pocketbook.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Levittown.
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 | 2.5 years |
| 2 kW | 5.0 years |
| 5 kW | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | 25.0 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Levittown
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How common is solar energy in Levittown?
Will solar energy systems boost my Levittown home value?
What can I do to predict my home's solar viability?
What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how frequently do they need it?
What size should my new Levittown solar system be?
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
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