Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your regular electricity costs. 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.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on your power company for your safety and comfort.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Brownsville Homeowners?
Texas homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for reimbursements, special financing, rebates and tax credits. Here are just a few of the local incentive programs.
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 Brownsville
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Here are some important factors to remember while shopping for a solar specialist.
Licensing and Training
All solar contractors 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 pursue certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. 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 Brownsville
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options 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.
If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company includes these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's important for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $16,650 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Brownsville. This table lists more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,056 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $824 |
Thin-Film | $482 |
Solar Battery | $676 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,535 |
Financing Solar Energy in Brownsville
Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases, cash payments and solar loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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. Similar to an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $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 will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Ask each company you're considering about the payment options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Brownsville.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and unique financing solutions that could save you 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 Brownsville
How much money could I save by going solar in Brownsville?
Is solar energy widely available in Brownsville?
Should I anticipate a property value increase after switching to solar energy?
How long does an average solar system last?
What maintenance do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
What size should my new Brownsville solar system be?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
Some states or energy providers require you to enroll in net metering when purchasing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you join, you'll get a bill credit or check for your excess generation at a wholesale or retail rate.
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