Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
- Lowered energy bills: With solar energy systems, you create 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 offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Brentwood Homeowners?
Tennessee homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for special financing, tax credits, rebates and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the area's incentive programs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Depends upon sector
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 Brentwood
The purchase price and performance of solar panels often hinge on which company mounted them. Make your choice based on the following key factors.
Licensing and Training
Tennessee requires any solar energy project valued at $25,000 or higher to be overseen by a licensed "prime contractor." The prime contractor is responsible for hiring licensed subcontractors as the job requires. Even if a project doesn't cross the $25,000 value threshold, you will still need a master electrician or electrical journeyman to pull permits. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded 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 Brentwood
The style of solar panels you purchase determines how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.
You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's performance. Not every solar provider provides these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's important for you.
You can plan to spend about $17,900 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Brentwood. Check the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Brentwood solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,143 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $891 |
| Thin-Film | $521 |
| Solar Battery | $731 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,742 |
Financing Solar Energy in Brentwood
Choosing the correct financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, leases, loans, and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car or home loan, 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 providers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Brentwood.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.4 years |
| 2 kW | 4.8 years |
| 5 kW | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | 24.1 years |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Solar Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Brentwood
How much money could I save by going solar in Brentwood?
Is solar energy common in Brentwood?
Should I expect a property value increase after switching to solar energy?
How can I determine my home's solar feasibility?
Is solar panel installation a quick job?
How do I care for my new solar system?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
Some states or utilities require you to enroll in net metering when purchasing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you sign up, you'll earn a check or bill credit for your excess generation at a wholesale or retail rate.
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
