Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple perks. Here are some highlights.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
- Lowered energy bills: With solar energy systems, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. 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.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Burleson 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: Rebate Program
Website: united-cs.comIncentive Amount:
Fuel Conversion Rebate: $100
Air Source Heat Pump: $200 - $500
Geothermal Heat Pump: $200/ton
HVAC Tune-Up: $100
Solar Screens Rebate: $5/3'X5' window, up to $50
Electric Vehicle Charger: 50% of cost, up to $500/unit
Heat Pump Electric Water Heater: $150/unit
Insulated Water Heater Blanket: Free
Attic Insulation (Retrofit): $0.02/inch per sq ft
Nest Thermostat: up to $50
WiFi-Enabled Thermostat: $25
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 Burleson
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar array. Consider all of these aspects in your service provider 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 accreditations. 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 Burleson
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power 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 want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors provide these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.
You can plan to spend about $16,650 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Burleson. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Burleson solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,242 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $969 |
| Thin-Film | $566 |
| Solar Battery | $795 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,980 |
Financing Solar Energy in Burleson
Choosing the ideal financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include loans, cash payments, leases, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment 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 a car 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 PPA lets you pay a variable 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 certain circumstances. Look for contractors that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Burleson.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs 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 Burleson
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How widespread is solar energy in Burleson?
Will solar panels increase my Burleson home value?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a dark, wooded, or rainy area?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What is the average payback period for Burleson solar panels?
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
If you choose a lease, you'll make set monthly payments.
With both leases and PPAs, you don't 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.
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