Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
- Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the expensive cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and comfort.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Abilene Homeowners?
The state of Texas offers a variety of solar incentives to help cut your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: comptroller.texas.govIncentive Amount:
100%
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: texasgasservice.comIncentive Amount:
Free Equipment Program: Free appliance installation and weatherization services
Home Improvement (includes attic insulation, duct sealing, duct insulation, duct replacement, high-efficiency gas furnace, and Wi-Fi thermostat: Up to $1000
Solar Water Heater With Natural Gas Backup: $750
Tankless or Super High-efficiency Water Heater: $650
Furnace: $675
Furnace Tune-Up: $40
Natural Gas Dryer with moisture sensor: $225
Natural Gas Dryer Stub: $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 Abilene
The purchase price and performance of solar panels often hinge on which company installed them. Consider all of these aspects in your contractor search.
Licensing and Training
All solar energy companies in Texas must have a state electrical contractors' license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners regulates plumbing regulations and licensing standards for solar thermal installers. Solar providers can also obtain accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The top ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Abilene
The type of solar panels you select decides 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 meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not every solar provider includes these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's a priority for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $16,650 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Abilene. This table shows more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,082 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $844 |
Thin-Film | $493 |
Solar Battery | $692 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,596 |
Financing Solar Energy in Abilene
Choosing the ideal financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, leases, loans, and cash payments. Though it requires 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 home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. We advise working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each agent about what's available, and obtain 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 Abilene.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, incentives, and rebates that could save you more money.
Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 2.1 years |
2 kW | 4.2 years |
5 kW | 10.6 years |
10 kW | 21.2 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Abilene
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How widespread is solar energy in Abilene?
Should I anticipate a property value increase after installing solar panels?
How long is a Abilene solar panel's average lifespan?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What's the average solar system size in Abilene?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- Aggressive sales pitch
- Dodging questions about credentials and training, warranties, cost and references
- Limited or no customization
- Rushing through the site assessment
- Limited online information
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