Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Lower energy bills: Producing some or all of your own power will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home functioning through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Sandy Homeowners?
Governments and utilities often incentivize homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.
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 Sandy
The more informed your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately operate. Here are some key items to keep in mind while shopping for a solar company.
Licensing and Training
If a solar energy system in Utah doesn't use distributed generation technology, the state exempts its installation from licensing requirements. For other jobs, solar contractors must hold license S202, a specialty credential from the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. The license requires a 25-hour course to obtain. Solar installers can also obtain certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Sandy
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and user-friendly. Not all solar companies provide these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.
A majority of Sandy homeowners opt for solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $16,450 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.
| 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 Sandy
Choosing the best financing plan will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, loans, and cash payments. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving 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 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 suitable in particular circumstances. Look for contractors that offer several 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 Sandy.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments 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 | 2.2 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 Sandy
How much money could I save by going solar in Sandy?
Is solar energy readily available in Sandy?
Should I expect a property value increase after installing solar panels?
What can I do to predict my home's solar viability?
How long is a Sandy solar panel's average lifespan?
Is solar panel installation a quick job?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
How are a solar lease and PPA different?
If you choose a lease, you'll make fixed monthly payments.
With both leases and PPAs, you don't own your panels and lose eligibility for most incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
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