Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you 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 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 solar battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Round Rock Homeowners?
Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for adopting 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: austinenergy.comIncentive Amount:
$2,500
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: savings.austinenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Central AC/Heat Pump: $150 - $600
Package Unit AC/Heat Pump: $200 - $550
Mini-Split AC/Heat Pump: $250 - $800
AC Tune-Up: $175, max of 5 systems
Pool Pumps: $300 per pump replaced
Heat Pump Water Heater: $800
Smart Thermostat: $25/unit, plus $85 for participating in the Power Partner Thermostat smart energy savings program
Window Air Conditioners: $50 per unit
Weatherization Bonus: Up to $2,400
Solar Screens/Solar Film: $1.00/sq. ft.
Attic Insulation to R-38: varies by original R-value
Duct Replacement: $3.25/sq. ft.
Duct Insulation: $1.00/sq. ft.
Duct System Performance Testing: $200 - first system, $100 each additional system/ $75.00 per new return air improvement (max 3 per system)
External Combustion Air: $20 each
Air Infiltration and Duct Sealing: $0.12/sq. ft.
Total External Static Pressure: $175 for first system, $100 for additional
Return Air/Supply Grilles: $5 each
Improve Supply and/or Return Plenum: $75 each
Additional Attic Access: $25
Insulated Box for Pull Down Stairs: $25
Fan Cover: $25
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: 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 Round Rock
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some key items to keep in mind while searching for a solar specialist.
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. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Round Rock
The kind of solar panels you purchase determines how much electricity you can generate. 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 the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar companies offer these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's a priority for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $16,650 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Round Rock. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,174 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $915 |
| Thin-Film | $535 |
| Solar Battery | $751 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,817 |
Financing Solar Energy in Round Rock
Choosing the ideal financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, cash payments, and loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. 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 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 specific circumstances. Look for companies that offer several 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 Round Rock.
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 financing plans and rebates 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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Round Rock
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How prevalent is solar energy in Round Rock?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after adopting solar power?
How can I check my home's solar potential?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What's the average solar system size in Round Rock?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
Some states or energy providers require you to participate in net metering when purchasing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you sign up, you'll earn a check or bill credit for your excess generation at a wholesale or retail rate.
What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?
In contrast, solar loans can come from local banks, installer, the government and specialty lenders. 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 maintenance, you'll also have complete ownership and can apply for many more benefits.
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