Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
- Lower utility costs: Sourcing some or all of your own electricity will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Conroe Homeowners?
Governments and utility companies often reward homeowners for going 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: 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 Conroe
The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately work. Consider each of these criteria 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. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Conroe
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 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.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies include these add-ons, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.
If you're a resident of Conroe and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $16,650 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,178 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $918 |
Thin-Film | $537 |
Solar Battery | $754 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,826 |
Financing Solar Energy in Conroe
Solar installers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases and cash payments. We recommend paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the best 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 reduce 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 installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in specific circumstances. Look for contractors that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Conroe.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through city and state 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 Conroe
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy easily accessible in Conroe?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after switching to solar energy?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a rainy, dark, or wooded area?
How can I assess my site's solar viability?
What's the average solar system size in Conroe?
Should I get quotes from multiple Conroe solar companies?
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