Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the electrical grid for your safety and comfort.
- Lowered energy bills: With solar energy systems, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Grand Prairie Homeowners?
Governments and utility companies often incentivize homeowners for embracing 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 Grand Prairie
The price and performance of solar panels often hinge on which company mounted them. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.
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. Solar installers can also earn certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The top ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Prairie
Your solar panels' style will impact how much electricity you can generate. 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.
If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies offer these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $16,650 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Grand Prairie. This table lists more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,173 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $915 |
| Thin-Film | $535 |
| Solar Battery | $750 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,814 |
Financing Solar Energy in Grand Prairie
Solar providers offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and cash payments. We suggest making a cash payment 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 cut 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 spend more in total due to accruing interest. 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 will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. Look for providers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Grand Prairie.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state 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 Grand Prairie
How much money could I save by going solar in Grand Prairie?
Is solar energy widely available in Grand Prairie?
Will solar energy systems boost my Grand Prairie home worth?
What if I live in a dark or rainy
How can I evaluate my site's solar viability?
What size should my new Grand Prairie solar system be?
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Not being straightforward about cost, references, warranties and credentials and training
- Inflexible options
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- Limited online information
What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?
In contrast, solar loans can come from specialty lenders, local banks, installer and the government. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are larger, and you'll be responsible for taking care of the system, you'll also have full ownership rights and can apply for many more financial rewards.
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