Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, decreasing your regular electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the electrical grid for your safety and comfort.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to St. George Homeowners?
The state of Utah offers a variety of solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.
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 St. George
The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately perform. Here are some important factors to keep in mind while searching for a solar company.
Licensing and Training
If a solar energy system in Utah won't hook up to a utility, there are no licensure requirements. For other jobs, solar contractors must hold license S202, a specialty certification from the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. The license requires a 25-hour course to obtain. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in St. George
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's performance. Not every solar contractor includes these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's important for you.
Most St. George homeowners select solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $16,450 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,106 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $862 |
| Thin-Film | $504 |
| Solar Battery | $708 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,654 |
Financing Solar Energy in St. George
There are numerous ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and leases. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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. Much like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with 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 variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Look for providers 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 St. George.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
| 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 St. George
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy easily accessible in St. George?
Should I anticipate a property value increase after adopting solar power?
What if I live in a heavily-wooded or rainy
How long does the solar installation process require?
What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how frequently do they need it?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
If you choose a lease, you'll make fixed payments each month.
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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