Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Smaller power bills: Generating some or all of your own electricity will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Garland Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for embracing 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: 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 Garland
The cost and performance of solar panels often depend on which company installed them. Consider each of these criteria in your company search.
Licensing and Training
All solar contractors 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 a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Garland
The kind of solar panels you select dictates how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors offer these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's a priority for you.
Most Garland homeowners choose solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $16,650 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,206 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $941 |
Thin-Film | $550 |
Solar Battery | $772 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,895 |
Financing Solar Energy in Garland
Choosing the best financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, leases, cash payments, and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car loan or mortgage, 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 involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each provider you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A representative can help you determine the most suitable option for your pocketbook.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Garland.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local 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 Garland
How much money could I save by going solar in Garland?
How common is solar energy in Garland?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after switching to solar energy?
How long is a Garland solar panel's average lifespan?
Is solar panel installation a quick job?
What size should my new Garland solar system be?
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- Pressuring you into signing a contract
- Being evasive about cost, warranties, training and credentials and references
- Inflexible options
- Superficial, rushed site evaluation
- More mixed or negative reviews than positive ones
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
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