Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: You can skip the added cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to New Braunfels Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for switching to 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: Rebate Program
Website: cpsenergy.comIncentive Amount:
First $9 million will pay a flat rebate of $2,500 per project, plus $500 for locally-produced panels
Next $5 million will pay a flat rebate of $1,500 per project, plus $500 for locally-produced panels
Commercial: $1 million will pay $0.60/Watt, plus an additional $0.10/Watt for locally-produced panels
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: gvecrebates.karrotrewards.comIncentive Amount:
Duct System Replacement: 20% of project cost up to $500
Windows: $2/sq. ft.
Heat Pump Water Heater: $300/unit
Heat Pumps/Cooling System: $550-$650/unit (depending on efficiency)
Attic/Wall Insulation: $0.20/sq. ft. of installed insulation
Solar PV Electrical System: $0.75/Watt
Solar Water Heater: $1,000/unit
Window Solar Screens and/or Film: $0.50/sq. ft. of window
New Home Rebate: $3,200
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: gvecrebates.karrotrewards.comIncentive Amount:
PV: $0.75/watt
Solar Water Heaters: $1,000/unit
Solar Water Wells: $750/unit
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: cpsenergy.comIncentive Amount:
$0.60 per kWh saved annually (conventional 50-gallon electric water heater)
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: pec.coopIncentive Amount:
Central AC: $250/unit
Heat Pump: $250/unit
Ground Source Heat Pump: $250/Ton
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $250
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: nbutexas.comIncentive Amount:
Split System AC & Heat Pump: $250 - $500
Package Unit AC & Heat Pump: $250 - $500
LED Exit Signs: $20 per unit installed, capped at $100
A/C Checkup: $40
Washing Machine: $100
Drought Tolerant Tree: $25 for one tree.
Irrigation Zone Removal: $200/zone, additional $100 if all zones are removed
Rain Barrel/Cistern: $0.50/gallon
Drought Tolerant Landscape: $0.50/sq. ft.
Toilet/Urinal: $50 - $75
Mulch: $12.50/cubic yard installed
Artificial Turf: $2.00/sq. ft.
Solar PV: $0.45 - $0.50/watt
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 New Braunfels
The purchase price and efficacy of solar panels often rely on the provider that mounted them. Consider all of these aspects in your business search.
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 industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in New Braunfels
Your solar panels' style will influence how much power 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 have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
If you want to charge an electric car 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 productive and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors provide these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.
You can expect to pay about $16,650 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in New Braunfels. Check the table in this section to get an idea of what amount New Braunfels solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,092 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $852 |
| Thin-Film | $498 |
| Solar Battery | $699 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,620 |
Financing Solar Energy in New Braunfels
Solar companies 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 leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments and solar loans. We suggest paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the highest 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for contractors that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in New Braunfels.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment 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 New Braunfels
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy widely available in New Braunfels?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after adopting solar power?
How long is a New Braunfels solar panel's average lifespan?
Is solar installation a fast job?
What care do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
How are a solar lease and PPA different?
You don't own the panels with either option, though you can choose to opt out of the contract for a fee.
What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?
In contrast, solar loans can come from the government, installer, specialty lenders and local banks. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are more expensive, and you'll be responsible for maintenance, you'll also have complete ownership and can apply for many more financial rewards.
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