Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.
- 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 means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
- Lower utility costs: Generating 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 extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Tooele Homeowners?
Utah agencies and electric companies offer a variety of solar incentives to help cut your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of eligible 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 Tooele
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar system. Consider all of these elements in your service provider search.
Licensing and Training
If a solar energy system in Utah doesn't connect to the grid, there are no licensure 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 a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Tooele
The type of solar panels you purchase dictates how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
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 efficiency. Not every solar company provides these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's crucial for you.
You can expect to pay about $16,450 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Tooele. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Tooele solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,144 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $892 |
| Thin-Film | $521 |
| Solar Battery | $732 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,745 |
Financing Solar Energy in Tooele
Solar contractors offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, cash payments, solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a home or auto 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 let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Tooele.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even 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 Tooele
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How common is solar energy in Tooele?
Should I anticipate a property value increase after going solar?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a rainy, wooded, or dark area?
How can I determine my property's solar suitability?
What's the average solar system size in Tooele?
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- Pushy sales approach
- Being evasive about warranties, cost, references and credentials and training
- "One-size-fits-all" approach
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- More mixed or negative reviews than positive ones
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
You don't own the panels with either option, though you can choose to "buy out" of the contract for a fee.
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