Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple perks. Let's look at a few of them.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the grid for your safety and comfort.
- Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you produce power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant number of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Draper Homeowners?
Utah homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for rebates, special financing, tax credits and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the area's incentive programs.
Incentive Type: Corporate Tax Credit
Website: energy.utah.govIncentive Amount:
Commercial wind, geothermal electric, and biomass systems 660 kW or greater, and solar PV systems 2 MW or greater: 0.35¢/kWh ($0.0035/kWh) for 4 years
Other commercial technologies and commercial wind, geothermal electric, solar PV, and biomass systems smaller than 600 kW: 10% of installed cost
Photovoltaic systems between 660 kW and 2 MW: May choose either 0.35¢/kWh ($0.0035/kWh) for 4 years or 10% of installed cost
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: energy.utah.govIncentive Amount:
Residential: 25%
Commercial wind, geothermal electric, and biomass systems 660 kW or greater 0.35¢/kWh ($0.0035/kWh) for 4 years
Other commercial technologies and commercial wind, geothermal electric, and biomass systems smaller than 660 kW: 10% of installed cost
Solar photovoltaic systems 2 MW or greater: 0.35¢/kWh ($0.0035/kWh) for 4 years
Solar photovoltaic systems smaller than 660 kW: 10% of installed costSolar photovoltaic systems between 660 kW and 2 MW: May choose either 0.35¢/kWh ($0.0035/kWh) for 4 years or 10% of installed cost
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: wattsmarthomes.comIncentive Amount:
Ductless Heat Pumps: Up to $1,700
Electronically Commutated Motors: Up to $100
Evaporative Coolers: Up to $200
Heat Pumps: up to $750
Ground Source Heat Pumps: up to $2,500
Rooftop Heat Tape Timer: up to $100
Room Air Conditioners: Up to $20
Smart Thermostats: $50
Whole House Ventilation Fans: up to $125
Manufactured Homes Duct Sealing: Free service available
Manufactured Homes Ductless Heat Pumps: Up to $1,300
Lighting: Special pricing at certain retailers
Heat Pump Water Heaters: up to $550
Insulation: Up to $0.10/sq.ft
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 Draper
The cost and performance of solar panels often depend on the solar company that installed them. Here are some essential aspects to consider while searching for a solar provider.
Licensing and Training
If a solar energy system in Utah doesn't use distributed generation technology, it's exempt from contractor licensing requirements. For other jobs, solar contractors must hold license S202, a specialty classification from the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. The license requires a 25-hour course to obtain. Check 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 Draper
Your solar panels' model 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 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'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and convenient to use. Not every solar company offers these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's a priority for you.
You can expect to pay about $16,450 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Draper. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Draper solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,276 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $996 |
| Thin-Film | $582 |
| Solar Battery | $817 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $3,063 |
Financing Solar Energy in Draper
Choosing the ideal financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements, and leases. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee 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 specific circumstances. We advise working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each consultant about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Draper.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.2 years |
| 2 kW | 4.4 years |
| 5 kW | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | 21.9 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Draper
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How prevalent is solar energy in Draper?
Will solar energy systems boost my Draper home worth?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a wooded, rainy, or dark area?
What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Draper?
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- Aggressive sales pitch
- Not being straightforward about credentials and training, references, warranties and cost
- "One-size-fits-all" approach
- Rushing through the site assessment
- Limited customer feedback
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
If you choose a lease, you'll make set monthly payments.
With both leases and PPAs, you don't own your panels and lose eligibility for some incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
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