How To Qualify For Solar Panels

How Much Will I Save On My Power Bill

Your solar savings depend on the amount of your bill, the size of your roof, and the prpsective shading in and around your property. Our average customer saves about $1,000 per year on their energy bills at todays rates. However, electricity rates tend to go up over time and almost never come down. So, if you save $1,000 at todays rates, you will likely save double or triple that every year in the future.

Smart Solar Energy installs systems designed to produce clean, renewable energy for 25 to 35 years. In fact, we offer an industry-leading labor and service warranty for 25 years! Therefore, installing a solar system with us is a very low-risk investment.

You know the sun will shine, although this does vary a bit by the daily weather. You also know your home will continue to use power, and your electricity rates will likely continue to increase over time. You can also trust Smart Solar Energy to install a solar system that is installed right by true solar energy experts. Our installers have extensive experience designing and installing solar systems throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Our solar energy systems also include solar energy monitoring. This enables homeowners to view historical and real-time solar energy output. Therefore, with just a few clicks, you can see how much clean energy you are producing and quickly know if an issue does develop so that we can resolve it right away.

You Can Qualify For Free Home Solar Panels

You have probably seen the ads on TV and the internet for free home solar systems and thought to yourself ah come on, nothing is ever free, whats the catch? Well In the case of home solar panels in many cases there is no catch! You can actually get solar panels installed on your home at absolutely no charge to you.

But wait, thats not all, not only can you get solar panels installed for free you also get dramatically reduced monthly electricity bills with fixed rates for as long as 25 years.

But wait, thats not all, the free solar panels installed on your home are warrantied, monitored and maintained by your solar service provider, again at no charge to you, for as long as 25 years.

But wait thats not all, home solar has been shown to add as much as $25,000 to the value of your home, thats like money in the bank.

In many areas of the United States there are clean energy mandates that the power companies must meet to be in compliance with state and federal clean air policies. Most states have what is referred to as a Renewable Portfolio Standard that states a certain percentage of electricity produced by a power must come from renewable resources. If the power companies fail to meet the minimum standards they can face very steep fines. It is in the best interest of power companies in states with a stringent RPS to encourage the use of home solar power.

How Much Sunlight Does Your Roof Receive

To see if your house is a good candidate for solar, try out a solar panel suitability checker such as Google’s Project Sunroof. Then set up an appointment for a solar consultation with an expert who will visit your home to inspect its orientation , roof angle and tree shading to see if your roof will receive enough sunlight to meet your family’s energy needs. SunPower’s solar consultations are free, and you can learn a lot about your home and best energy options. The more direct sunlight your home receives, the more power the panels will produce. While SunPower solar panels are known for being extremely efficient at generating power in low-light situations, excessive shading will reduce the amount of power that can be generated.

It’s also important to know that SunPower’s Equinox solar solution has factory integrated micro-inverters in each panel, an innovative solar design feature that means if one panel isn’t producing energy because of shade, neighboring panels that might be receiving more sunlight can still generate solar energy for your home.

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Tax Deductions Vs Tax Credits

Tax deductions, like the mortgage interest deduction, reduce your taxable income, resulting in a smaller tax liability.

Tax credits, on the other hand, provide a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of income tax you owe.

Find out: Mortgage Refinance Tax Deductions Every Homeowner Should Know

Benefits Of Roof Top Solar Plant Scheme

• Generating Electricity Subscribers who install the Solar Power system on their roof tops will be able to use cheaper electricity generated using Solar energy. This will also reduce the cost of electricity bill.
• Consumption The electricity thus generated can also be used for their residential purpose so they will not have to pay more electricity bill to the electricity service providers.
• Income If the subscribers are able to generate additional amount of electricity that is consumed by them at their residence then they can also generate revenue by selling the electricity to the Utility / Discoms. The company will make the payment depending on the set tariff rates regularly.
• Participation By installing the system on the roof top the consumers can also be a part of the drive to help reduce pollution by using clean energy and saving the environment.

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Is The Solar Rebate Different In Every State

Federal rebates are not divided according to states. Instead, the zoning system is used to calculate what each applicant is eligible for based on their postcode. For instance, some zones will have multiple states in them and others share states.

That said, some Australian states such as Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, do offer state-level rebates that you can claim on top of the federal STC solar rebate. For instance, eligible Victorians can currently claim a rebate of up to $2,225 to go towards their solar purchase and other green energy rebates.

It would be best if you found out from your retailer which zone you are in so that you have an idea of the number STCs you can receive. This can also be verified using the Clean Energy Regulatorâs STC calculator by inputting your postcode in the form. Your zone alongside other STC details will be displayed as part of the results after calculating your STCs.

Colorado Rooftop Low Income Program

The Colorado Energy Office subsidizes the installation of solar panels for low-income single-family homes via the federal Weatherization Assistance Program .

To be eligible, applicants must own and live in their own home and have a household income that is 200% or less of the federal poverty level. The installation of solar must also be shown to create a net benefit above cost as assessed by the CEO.

To apply: You can find further information via the Colorado Energy Office or a local weatherization agency.

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How Do Other Incentives I Receive Affect The Federal Tax Credit

For current information on incentives, including incentive-specific contact information, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency website.

Rebate from My Electric Utility to Install Solar

Under most circumstances, subsidies provided by your utility to you to install a solar PV system are excluded from income taxes through an exemption in federal law. When this is the case, the utility rebate for installing solar is subtracted from your system costs before you calculate your tax credit. For example, if your solar PV system was installed before December 31, 2022, cost $18,000, and your utility gave you a one-time rebate of $1,000 for installing the system, your tax credit would be calculated as follows:

0.26 * = $4,420

Payment for Renewable Energy Certificates

When your utility, or other buyer, gives you cash or an incentive in exchange for renewable energy certificates or other environmental attributes of the electricity generated , the payment likely will be considered taxable income. If that is the case, the payment will increase your gross income, but it will not reduce the federal solar tax credit.

Rebate from My State Government

0.26 * $18,000 = $4,680

State Tax Credit

For example, the net percentage reduction for a homeowner in New York who claims both the 25% state tax credit and the 26% federal tax credit for an $18,000 system is calculated as follows, assuming a federal income tax rate of 22%:

0.26 + * = 45.5%

+ = $4,680 + $3,510 = $8,190

How Does A Solar Loan Work

The structure of a solar loan is similar to other loan types offered by banks and credit unions, allowing you to choose the loan term , the interest rate and monthly payments. However, unlike a home equity loan or home equity line of credit which is secured by your home, you can choose a solar loan option that is unsecured.

A secured loan puts you at risk of losing your home if you default, while an unsecured loan isnt tied to your home.

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Solar Rebates And Incentives By State

No matter where you live, you can take advantage of federal solar programs like the Investment Tax Credit. However, states often have unique incentives only available to their residents. If youre curious as to what your state offers to help offset the cost of going solar, check out our state rebates and incentives pages.

EnergySage is the nation’s online solar marketplace: when you sign up for a free account, we connect you with solar companies in your area, who compete for your business with custom solar quotes tailored to fit your needs. Over 10 million people come to EnergySage each year to learn about, shop for and invest in solar. .

Enter your zip code to see solar quotes near you

Are Solar Panels Right For You

Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular, but they are not right for every home or for every budget. Your property may not be able to make the most of solar panels, or the installation process may reveal other problems around your home that need to be addressed. You may also find yourself in a situation where solar panels simply cost too much to make sense for your situation.

But for many, solar panels will provide relief in the form of cheaper utility bills, a smaller carbon footprint, and less reliance on the traditional grid. Read more about solar panels:

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Solar Energy Incentives In Texas Can Vary

Texas property tax exemption

Oncor Residential Solar Program

Dallas-Fort Worth area residents served by Oncor may qualify for the utilitys Residential Solar Program, which helps offset initial solar-investment costs.

If you live outside of the Oncor service area, contact your local utility or municipality to explore solar incentives and rebates.2

Why Do You Need To Clean Solar Battery Terminals

If you own a solar battery, it is crucial to learn how and when to clean your battery. The following are several reasons you need to know how to clean your battery and do it correctly.

• To avoid the loss of electric power caused by corrosion
• To reduce costs that you could have by having your battery professionally cleaned or replaced
• To prevent safety hazards that could arise by cleaning your battery incorrectly

Some issues in solar power systems such as troubles in battery charging, too high or too low voltage could be caused by battery terminals problems. I will be examining several of these problems, so you do not have to.

• Power outage can occur as a result of either bad connections or corroded terminals. To diagnose a power outage, you will need to consult with a specialist to fix any loose wiring. You can also clean the corrosion at home by following the steps showed above.
• Corroded battery terminals can lead to lower than the usual voltage you will require a multimeter to measure voltage levels at different levels to determine where it is occurring. You should also ensure that your terminals are not corroded and that the corrosion has not eaten up the clamps.

Direct current could be dangerous than AC power and should be handled carefully. Whenever you feel that your solar power system is not performing optimally, be sure to consult with experts for diagnosing and repairing.

Read my step by guide on how to calculate inverter and solar battery here.

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How Do I Apply

Applying for the solar rebate can be done at an individual level or with a registered solar retailer/ vendor, with the latter being the most convenient and most preferred.

At an individual level, you will first need to purchase an eligible small-scale solar PV system and have it installed before you make the STC application. The entire application is made through the Clean Energy Regulatorâs portal. After receiving your certificates, you will then need to find a way to trade them using any of the available STC trading websites in Australia.

STC prices tend to fluctuate based on forces of demand and supply, so be sure to sell them at a reasonable price and in good time.

Most people prefer to assign the STC application to the solar retailer/ agent. The agent will offer the entire rebate you are eligible for as a point of sale discount and apply for the certificates later. Using this method means you donât have to worry about your application being rejected or delayed past the 12-month window.

Alternatives To Solar Loans

If you dont want a separate loan to finance your solar panels, there are several energy-efficient mortgage programs available that allow you to roll in the cost of financing a solar system. The rates are typically lower than other solar loan options, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Below we highlight several options.

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How Can This Be Useful

The solar plants can, not just be used to power the buildings and houses, but it can also be used to fuse into the grid and generate surplus income. This has been long said that the use of solar power will be a benefit for all. It can be used to give power to the neighboring occupants or to the needy ones because it can create surplus power.

This is why solar power is one of the most sustainable means of power generation in the world. Today the world abates around 60 million tones of CO2 every year which leads to the destruction of the ozone layer. We are in a dire need of protecting the ozone layer of the world more than ever. Solar power can help us save energy and conserve the planet.

Find Out How Much Your Solar Credit Is Worth

• Enter the full amount you paid to have your solar system installed, in line 1. This includes costs associated with the materials and installation of your new solar system. See more detail about how to calculate it here. As an example, well say $20,000.

• For this example, well assume you only had solar installed on your home. Enter 0 for lines 2, 3 and 4.

• Line 5 Add up lines 1 through 4.

Example: 20,000 + 0 + 0 + 0 = 20,000

• Line 6 Multiply the amount in line 5 by 30%

Example: 20,000 x .30 = 6,000

• Line 7 Check No. Again, for this example, were assuming you didnt have any other systems installed, just rooftop solar.

• Lines 8, 9, 10 and 11 Dont apply to you in this example for the same reason. You can fill each with 0 and skip down to line 12.

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Tracking The Annual Usage Requirement

To ensure you are tracking towards the 687 kWh goal, to monitor your energy data. On average, you will want to use 57 kWh/month. We anticipate all our customers will meet this minimum requirement provided they follow the recommendations above regarding Backup-Only and the backup reserve.

If your system is not on track to meeting the annual usage the SGIP program requires, certain settings of your system may be restricted for example, limiting the share of the systems capacity you can reserve for backup. This may occur 8 months into the year and on the anniversary of that date for the next four years of the program. This would be a temporary restriction, with full functionality restored once you have met the programs cycling requirements.

Space And Water Heating

Furnaces are not eligible under the Canada Greener Homes Grant. The only exception is when you reside in an off-grid community, please review the information on the north and off-grid communities if it applies.

Canada’s cold climate means that space heating accounts for over 60% of the energy used in the average Canadian home. Learn more about energy-efficient heating equipment

Many homes in moderate climates can rely on heat pumps to heat or cool their homes year-round. In colder climates, a cold-climate heat pump is more effective and reduces the need for a supplementary heating source. A heat pump is an electrically-driven device that extracts heat from a low temperature place and delivers it to a higher temperature place. Learn more about heat pumps

A contractor or energy advisor can help with estimating the economics of heat pumps in your area and the potential savings you can achieve. Heat pumps in general can come at a higher cost compared to other heating systems due to the number of components in the system. In some regions and cases, this added cost can be recouped and significant GHGs savings can be made in a relatively short period through energy cost savings. However, in other regions, varying utility rates can extend this period. Speak with your energy advisor to see if a heat pump is right for you.

Your new heat pump must be on one of the eligible list of products below in order to be eligible for reimbursement.

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