Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, decreasing your regular 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.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Port Arthur Homeowners?
Texas homeowners who go solar could qualify for special financing, tax credits, rebates and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the area'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 Port Arthur
The cost and efficacy of solar panels often depend on the solar company that mounted them. Consider all of these criteria in your company 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 reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Port Arthur
Your photovoltaic panels' style will influence how much electricity you can produce. 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.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not all solar contractors offer these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.
You can plan to spend about $16,650 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Port Arthur. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Port Arthur solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,155 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $901 |
| Thin-Film | $527 |
| Solar Battery | $739 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,773 |
Financing Solar Energy in Port Arthur
There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We recommend 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 minimize 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 enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable 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 particular circumstances. Ask each company you're considering about the payment options it offers. A team member can help you determine the most suitable option for your financial situation.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Port Arthur.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, incentives, and rebates 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 Port Arthur
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy readily available in Port Arthur?
Will a solar PV system increase my Port Arthur home worth?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a rainy, dark, or wooded area?
What can I do to estimate my home's solar viability?
How many years will a standard solar system last?
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
In contrast, solar loans can come from the government, specialty lenders, installer and local banks. 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 upkeep, you'll also have total ownership and can apply for many more financial rewards.
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