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.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Garland Homeowners?
Texas homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for special financing, rebates, reimbursements and tax credits. 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: 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 efficiency of solar panels often depend on the solar company that installed them. Consider each of these elements in your company search.
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.
If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you'll usually pay extra for add-ons. These upgrades extend your system’s efficiency while adding more conveniences to your home. Not all solar companies offer these extras, so look for a provider that has them if it's important for you.
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. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Financing Options
Choosing the best financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment 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 incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate 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 won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. Look for companies that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Solar Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Garland
How much money could I save by going solar in Garland?
Is solar energy readily available in Garland?
Will a solar PV system improve my Garland home worth?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Garland?
How long does the solar installation process last?
What's the average solar system size in Garland?
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- [RandomChoice||High-pressure sales tactics|Aggressive sales pitch|Pushy sales approach|Pressuring you into signing a contract]
- [RandomChoice||Dodging questions|Not being straightforward|Being evasive] about {"cost, warranties, references, the crew's [RandomChoice||credentials and training|training and credentials]"|shuffle_list("or")}
- [RandomChoice||Limited or no customization|"One-size-fits-all" approach|Inflexible options]
- [RandomChoice||Not thoroughly inspecting your site|Superficial, rushed site evaluation|Rushing through the site assessment]
- [RandomChoice||No references or testimonials|More mixed or negative reviews than positive ones|Limited customer feedback|Limited online information|No business filing with your local secretary of state]
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.