Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to reduce 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 regular electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. 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 Allen Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
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: Rebate Program
Website: support.coserv.comIncentive Amount:
Rebates tiered based on kW installed
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 Allen
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar array. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.
Licensing and Training
All solar installers 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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most respected 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 Allen
The type of solar panels you select determines how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. 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 want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more effective and user-friendly. Not every solar company includes these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.
You can expect to pay about $16,650 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Allen. Check the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Allen solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,206 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $941 |
| Thin-Film | $550 |
| Solar Battery | $772 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,895 |
Financing Solar Energy in Allen
Choosing the optimal financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, cash payments, leases, and loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $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, akin 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. 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 Allen.
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 | 2.1 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 Allen
How much money could I save by going solar in Allen?
How widespread is solar energy in Allen?
Should I expect a property value increase after installing solar panels?
Is solar panel installation a fast job?
What size should my new Allen solar system be?
What is the average payback period for Allen solar panels?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
Some states or power companies require you to participate in net metering when purchasing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you participate, you'll receive a bill credit or check for your excess generation at a wholesale or retail rate.
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Not being straightforward about warranties, references, cost and training and credentials
- Inflexible options
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- More mixed or negative reviews than positive ones
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