Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
- Smaller power bills: Producing 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 make it possible for you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Edinburg Homeowners?
Texas homeowners who choose solar could qualify for rebates, reimbursements, special financing and tax credits. Here are just a few of the region's incentive offerings.
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 Edinburg
The more informed your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately perform. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.
Licensing and Training
All solar installers 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 obtain certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected 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 Edinburg
Your photovoltaic panels' model will affect how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.
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 include these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.
You can plan to spend about $16,650 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Edinburg. Check the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Edinburg solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,056 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $823 |
Thin-Film | $481 |
Solar Battery | $676 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,534 |
Financing Solar Energy in Edinburg
Choosing the right financing solution will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, leases, cash payments, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid 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. Much like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. 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 particular circumstances. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Ask each representative about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Edinburg.
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 financing plans and rebates 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 Edinburg
How much money could I save by going solar in Edinburg?
Is solar energy easily accessible in Edinburg?
Should I anticipate a property value increase after switching to solar energy?
What's a Edinburg solar panel's average lifespan?
What maintenance do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
What's the average solar system size in Edinburg?
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Dodging questions about cost, warranties, credentials and training and references
- "One-size-fits-all" approach
- Rushing through the site assessment
- No references or testimonials
How are a solar lease and PPA different?
You don't own the panels with either option, though you can choose to "buy out" of the contract for a fee.
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