Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lower utility costs: Producing some or all of your own electricity will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that allow you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems work through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and comfort.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Copperas Cove Homeowners?
Texas homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for tax credits, reimbursements, rebates and special financing. Here are just a few of the region's 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: Rebate Program
Website: pec.coopIncentive Amount:
Central AC: $250/unit
Heat Pump: $250/unit
Ground Source Heat Pump: $250/Ton
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $250
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 Copperas Cove
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar system. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.
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 prestigious 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 Copperas Cove
Your photovoltaic panels' type will impact how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company provides these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.
A majority of Copperas Cove homeowners select solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $16,650 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,028 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $802 |
| Thin-Film | $469 |
| Solar Battery | $658 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,468 |
Financing Solar Energy in Copperas Cove
Choosing the ideal financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, loans, and cash payments. We suggest making a cash payment 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid 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 spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each installer you're vetting about the payment plans it offers. A representative can help you determine the best option for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Copperas Cove.
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 Copperas Cove
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy common in Copperas Cove?
Should I anticipate a property value increase after switching to solar energy?
How long is a Copperas Cove solar panel's average lifespan?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What's the average solar system size in Copperas Cove?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
You might consider a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintenance and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any solar financial incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other payment options above.
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