Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
- Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating 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 clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Wichita Falls Homeowners?
Texas homeowners who choose solar could qualify for tax credits, rebates, special financing 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 Wichita Falls
The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar panels will ultimately function. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.
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. Solar providers can also earn certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Wichita Falls
Your solar modules' model will affect how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. 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 panel array more efficient and user-friendly. Not every solar contractor includes these optional components, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's essential for you.
Generally speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Wichita Falls. 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 | $1,023 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $798 |
Thin-Film | $466 |
Solar Battery | $655 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,455 |
Financing Solar Energy in Wichita Falls
There are many ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, loans, cash payments, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating 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 certain circumstances. Look for installers that offer multiple 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 Wichita Falls.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and dedicated financing plans that could save you 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 Wichita Falls
How much money could I save by going solar in Wichita Falls?
Is solar energy easily accessible in Wichita Falls?
Will solar energy systems boost my Wichita Falls home value?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a rainy, dark, or wooded area?
How long is a Wichita Falls solar panel's average lifespan?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Wichita Falls?
How can I boost my solar array's performance?
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.