Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Every year, more Bastrop residents use rooftop solar panels to lower their carbon footprint and add value to their property. Adopting solar energy can allow you to save money and lower your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. Luckily, we’ve conducted comprehensive research local solar providers and put together a guide to the best solar companies in Bastrop. These reputable providers are reliable options known for their quality services.
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
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:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. In Louisiana, contractors can earn a solar energy endorsement or classification, on their contracting license. To do this, they need to obtain electrical, mechanical, or building endorsements first, then pass a test or prove their certification with North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
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 providers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Be cautious of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Contact three to five solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and specify the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the best value based on your budget.
Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation problems such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. The performance guarantee promises a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Installing solar panels can help reduce your electric bills over time. When considering the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
The cost of solar panels varies based on system capacity and the solar technology being used. The average solar system in Bastrop has a capacity of 10.2 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay approximately $3,800 per kilowatt; the average Bastrop homeowners spends roughly $27,219 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to lower their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar provider will account for things like the size, capacity, and panel type of the planned system, and should include prices for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100%
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
With home solar PV, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your property's emissions, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your location and what type of panels you're installing. With the winter months in Louisiana being very mild, you have a lengthy window to install your panels, though they won't hit peak performance until summer arrives.
Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, their rated capacity, and the average sunlight in your area. Bastrop has extremely high daily sunlight levels, so you could recoup your investment in as little as 16.8 years per 5 kW of rated capacity.
Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your utility or state offers net metering, you can send the solar energy you don't use to the grid. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.
While solar energy is an ideal 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 help the environment and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
Solar panels are on par with other forms of renewable energy. They have low maintenance costs and today's systems can stand up to the worst conditions.
