Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.
- Reduced energy costs: Producing some or all of your own energy will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Appleton Homeowners?
Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Website: revenue.wi.govIncentive Amount:
100% exemption from sales and use tax for eligible purchases
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: focusonenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Solar PV: Residential - $200 per kW
Business - 0-5 kW: $200 per kW
5-10 kW: $1000 + $150 per kW over 5
10-100 kW: $1750 + $125 per kW over 10
100-300 kW: $13000 + $100 per kW over 100
300-500 kW: $33000 + $85 per kW over 300
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of the value added by an eligible renewable energy system
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 Appleton
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind while shopping for a solar provider.
Licensing and Training
For solar thermal installations, Wisconsin requires a licensed plumber or HVAC contractor to be a part of the team if the work involves heating equipment or potable water. There are fewer restrictions for solar photovoltaic systems, but either the Wisconsin Division of Safety and Buildings or your city government may have to review building plans before you begin. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Appleton
Your photovoltaic panels' type will impact how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not all solar contractors provide these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.
If you're a resident of Appleton and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $19,400 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,078 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $841 |
| Thin-Film | $492 |
| Solar Battery | $690 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,588 |
Financing Solar Energy in Appleton
There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-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 only for the energy you use, akin 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. Look for contractors that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Appleton.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems 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 | 2.0 years |
| 2 kW | 4.0 years |
| 5 kW | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | 20.0 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Appleton
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy easily accessible in Appleton?
Will a solar PV system raise my Appleton home value?
How long does the solar installation process take?
What's the average solar system size in Appleton?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Appleton?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
Some states or power companies oblige you to join net metering when installing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you join, you'll earn a check or bill credit for your excess generation at a retail or wholesale rate.
What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?
You might think about a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintaining your panels and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any solar financial incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other financing options above.
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