Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
- Lowered energy bills: You can skip the premium cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Bremerton Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type: Feed-in Tariff
Website: energy.wsu.eduIncentive Amount:
FY 2021: $0.02/kWh - $0.10/kWh
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Website: dor.wa.govIncentive Amount:
100% exemption for sales of forest derived biomass used as fuel;
100% exemption for solar photovoltaic systems 10 kilowatts or less, and solar thermal systems;
75% exemption for other qualified systems
Incentive Type: Green Building Incentive
Website: commerce.wa.govIncentive 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 Bremerton
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some essential aspects to remember while shopping for a solar company.
Licensing and Training
Solar installers in Washington are required to hold an electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industries. In specific situations, the department may also conduct permit inspections to confirm compliance and the integrity and viability of a contractor's job. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded 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 Bremerton
The type of solar panels you purchase determines how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.
If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and user-friendly. Not every solar contractor provides these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,950 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Bremerton. This table displays more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,162 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $906 |
| Thin-Film | $530 |
| Solar Battery | $744 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,788 |
Financing Solar Energy in Bremerton
Solar providers 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, solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and cash payments. We recommend paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each business you're considering about the payment options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Bremerton.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, and financing programs that could save you more money.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.5 years |
| 2 kW | 5.0 years |
| 5 kW | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | 24.9 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Bremerton
How much money could I save by going solar in Bremerton?
How prevalent is solar energy in Bremerton?
Will solar panels improve my Bremerton home worth?
What if I live in a rainy or dark
What maintenance do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
What's the average solar system size in Bremerton?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
Some states or energy providers mandate you to enroll in net metering when purchasing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you sign up, you'll receive a check or bill credit for your excess generation at a wholesale or retail rate.
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- Pushy sales approach
- Not being straightforward about references, cost, warranties and credentials and training
- Limited or no customization
- Superficial, rushed site evaluation
- Limited customer feedback
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