Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: You can skip the premium cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Bryan Homeowners?
Texas' public agencies and power companies offer several solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of available 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: Rebate Program
Website: cstx.govIncentive Amount:
Central Air Conditioner, Geothermal Heat Pump, or Air-Source Heat Pump: $500 - $800, varies by efficiency rating
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 Bryan
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar system. Consider each of these criteria in your business 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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, granted 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 Bryan
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 produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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.
Additional components, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies provide these extras, so look for a provider that sells them if it's crucial for you.
A majority of Bryan homeowners choose solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $16,650 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,044 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $814 |
Thin-Film | $476 |
Solar Battery | $668 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,505 |
Financing Solar Energy in Bryan
There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, loans, cash payments, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it requires 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 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 variable 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 particular circumstances. We recommend working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and acquire 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 Bryan.
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 rebates and financing plans 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 Bryan
How much money could I save by going solar in Bryan?
Is solar energy easily accessible in Bryan?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after going solar?
What if I live in a rainy or dark
Is solar installation a quick job?
How do I care for my new solar system?
How are a solar lease and PPA different?
If you choose a lease, you'll make fixed monthly payments.
With both leases and PPAs, you do not own your panels and lose eligibility for most incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
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