Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the expensive 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.
- 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 an optional battery backup system.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Marysville Homeowners?
Washington homeowners who choose solar could qualify for rebates, reimbursements, tax credits and special financing. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.
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 Marysville
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some key items to consider while searching for a solar company.
Licensing and Training
Solar contractors in Washington are required to hold an electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industries. In some situations, the department may also conduct permit inspections to verify compliance and the viability and integrity of a contractor's job. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most respected 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 Marysville
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.
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 panel array more productive and user-friendly. Not every solar provider provides these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's a priority for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,950 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Marysville. This table shows more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,241 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $968 |
| Thin-Film | $566 |
| Solar Battery | $794 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,978 |
Financing Solar Energy in Marysville
Choosing the best financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include loans, cash payments, leases, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment 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 home or auto 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) allows you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each installer you're considering about the financing options it offers. A team 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 Marysville.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Further 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 | 2.5 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 Marysville
How much money could I save by going solar in Marysville?
How widespread is solar energy in Marysville?
Should I expect a property value increase after switching to solar energy?
What if I live in a dark or gloomy
What can I do to estimate my home's solar potential?
How long will an average solar system last?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
Some states or power companies oblige you to join net metering when purchasing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you join, you'll receive a bill credit or check for your excess generation at a retail or wholesale rate.
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