Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with energy storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on your power company for your safety and well-being.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, reducing your monthly electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number 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 Mesquite Homeowners?
Texas homeowners who go solar could qualify for tax credits, rebates, reimbursements and special financing. 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 Mesquite
The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your solar installation will ultimately perform. Consider each of these elements 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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Mesquite
The type of solar panels you purchase determines how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.
You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies provide these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.
A majority of Mesquite homeowners choose solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run 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 | $1,105 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $862 |
Thin-Film | $504 |
Solar Battery | $707 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,651 |
Financing Solar Energy in Mesquite
There are a plethora of ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include leases, loans, cash payments, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We suggest paying with cash or using 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 reduce 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 fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against 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. Look for contractors that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Mesquite.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
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 Mesquite
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy readily available in Mesquite?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after switching to solar energy?
What can I do to estimate my home's solar viability?
Is installing solar panels a quick job?
What is the average payback period for Mesquite solar panels?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
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