Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
A new solar energy system could give you a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Switching to solar energy can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. That’s why, after properly vetting providers, we put together a guide to the most reliable solar companies in Brookside. These companies have a reputation for high-quality service.
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Family-operated business
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Family-operated business
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Putting solar panels on your roof could lower your electricity payments while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when researching local solar installers are as follows.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Delaware treats solar installation no differently from any other electrical work. Solar contractors must be licensed electricians, and the government recommends they apply for certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) on top of their license.
Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s dependability and customer service. Be cautious of companies lacking reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
To find a solar installer that fits your budget, get free, detailed quotes from three to five providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the best value.
High-quality solar installations should have robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues like poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring. The output warranty guarantees an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.
Solar energy can help you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Brookside depends on several factors, including your system's expected capacity and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system will cost $3,090 per kilowatt, not including permit fees, labor, or preliminary work. Most solar systems in Brookside are 6.7 kilowatts, and the typical Brookside homeowners spends $14,456 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer leasing their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Amount:
Solar PV
Residential: $0.70/W
Residenital Leased/PPA systems: Not eligible
Non-Residential (systems less than 6 kW): $0.50/W
Non-Residential (systems 6 kW or larger): $0.70/W
Non-Profit: $1.40/W
Wind
Residential: $0.85/W for first 5 kW, $0.25/W up to 50 kW
Non-Residential: $0.85/W for first 5 kW, $0.25/W up to 50 kW
Non-Profit: $1.75/W for first 5 kW, $1.00/W up to 50 kW
Solar Water Heating (SWH)
Residential: $1/kWh saved
Non-Residential: $1/kWh saved
Non-Profit: $2/kWh saved
GeoThermal Heat Pumps
Residential: $800/ton (first 2 tons), $700/ton (over 2 tons)
Non-Residential: $800/ton (first 2 tons), $700/ton (over 2 tons)
Non-Profit: $1,000/ton (first 2 tons), $800/ton (over 2 tons)
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar heating system for your water.
With home solar PV, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your property's emissions, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
It depends on your home's location and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Brookside, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Brookside, the average amount someone can save is $1,208 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.
Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the average sunlight in your area, the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, and their rated capacity. Brookside gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 12.0 years per 5 kW of capacity.
Although solar energy is a great option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, a contractor might recommend other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still lower your emissions and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
When it comes to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. As for insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should talk with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
