Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
- Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you generate 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 have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the grid for your safety and comfort.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Longview Homeowners?
Washington agencies and electric companies offer a number of solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.
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: Rebate Program
Website: cowlitzpud.orgIncentive Amount:
Replacement Windows: $3.00/Square Foot
Energy Star Insulated exterior doors: $40/Unit
Insulation: $0.65-$1.00/Square Foot
Ductless Heat Pump: $800
Duct Sealing: $200-$250
Smart Thermostat: $100-$125
Clothes Dryer: $50
Clothes Washer: $30
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Low-Income Insulation: $1.00/Square Foot
Low-Income Replacement Windows, owner-occupied: Up to $20/Square Foot
Low-Income Replacement Windows, tenant-occupied: Up to $15/Square Foot
Low-Income Replacement un-insulated Exterior Doors: Up to $400 each
Manufactured Houses: $1,200-$2,500
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 Longview
The more thorough your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately perform. Consider all of these factors in your business search.
Licensing and Training
Solar installers in Washington need to hold an electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industries. In specific situations, the department may also conduct permit inspections to verify compliance and the integrity and viability of a contractor's job. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Longview
Your solar panels' model will influence how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. 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.
Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors provide these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.
If you're a resident of Longview and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,950 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,071 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $835 |
| Thin-Film | $488 |
| Solar Battery | $685 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,570 |
Financing Solar Energy in Longview
Solar companies use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, cash payments, solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). 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. Much like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for installers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Longview.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments 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 | 2.5 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 Longview
How much money could I save by going solar in Longview?
How widespread is solar energy in Longview?
Should I expect a property value increase after installing solar panels?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a rainy, dark, or wooded area?
What's a Longview solar panel's average lifespan?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Longview?
Should I get quotes from multiple Longview solar companies?
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