Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, decreasing your monthly electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Keller Homeowners?
The state of Texas offers a variety of solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.
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: support.coserv.comIncentive Amount:
Rebates tiered based on kW installed
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 Keller
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar energy system. Consider each of these aspects in your service provider 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 trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Keller
The type of solar panels you select decides how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and 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 aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar contractors provide these additional features, 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 Keller. This table lists more specific pricing information 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 Keller
Choosing the correct financing solution will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, cash payments, leases, and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical 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 or home loan, 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 allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like 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. We recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Keller.
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 rebates and financing plans 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 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Solar Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Keller
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy easily accessible in Keller?
Should I anticipate a property value increase after adopting solar power?
What if I live in a heavily-wooded or dark
How many years does a common solar system last?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Keller?
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- Aggressive sales pitch
- Being evasive about references, cost, warranties and training and credentials
- Inflexible options
- Rushing through the site assessment
- Limited customer feedback
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.