Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your regular electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with energy storage systems work through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the electrical grid for your safety and comfort.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Bedford Homeowners?
Governments and utility companies often incentivize homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits 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: 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 Bedford
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Here are some key items to consider while searching for a solar specialist.
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 companies can also obtain certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected 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 Bedford
Your solar modules' style will affect how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar providers include these additional features, so look for a provider 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 Bedford. This table displays more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,173 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $915 |
Thin-Film | $535 |
Solar Battery | $750 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,814 |
Financing Solar Energy in Bedford
Choosing the best financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include loans, leases, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. We advise paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the highest 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 own 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 monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only 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. We recommend working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each salesperson about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Bedford.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
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 Bedford
How much money could I save by going solar in Bedford?
Is solar energy easily accessible in Bedford?
Should I expect a property value increase after switching to solar energy?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a dark, rainy, or wooded area?
What care do my solar panels need, and how frequently do they need it?
What is the average payback period for Bedford solar panels?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
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