Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for Independence homeowners. A rooftop solar array can help you decrease your carbon footprint, add value to your property, and provide a dependable source of power. Making the transition to solar energy can help you save money and shrink your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. That’s why we’ve researched the options and compiled a guide to the most reputable solar providers in Independence. These top installers consistently deliver high-quality and dependable services.
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
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:
Going solar can be a great way to save money on electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if a solar installer is reliable.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. Home solar energy contractors in Kentucky don't have to be licensed electricians or plumbers. However, a plumber or electrician licensed by the Commonwealth must be the one to retain building permits and connect the system to meters and utility grids.
Look at review platforms such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find out what previous customers have to say about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Avoid companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Call at least three solar companies for free, itemized quotes. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the best option that fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues such as poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring. The performance guarantee ensures a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Going solar can help decrease your energy expenses over time. Be sure to weigh these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.
The average Independence homeowner will spend around $24,758 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Independence cost roughly $3,650 per kilowatt, with an average size of 9.7 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor, and will account for your system's size, panel type, and capacity. Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Amount:
Heat Pump Water Heaters: $350/unit
Central Air Conditioning or Heat Pump: up to $400/unit
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400/unit
Variable Speed Pool Pumps: $300/unit
Attic Insulation and Attic Air Sealing: $250/unit
Duct Sealing: $100/unit
Duct Insulation: $75/unit
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar water heating system.
There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can save money, raise your property values, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, so you can reap the environmental benefits and savings that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will decrease significantly 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 Independence, the average amount someone can save is $1,455 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.
Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, the average sunlight in your area, and their rated capacity. Independence gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 17.0 years per 5 kW of capacity.
Yes, solar panels will still be able to supply you with energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system can keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider and look for a solar system that includes a battery backup.
With respect 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.
Solar energy is on par with other forms of renewable energy. Their maintenance costs are low and today's systems can work in a variety of conditions.
