Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Year after year, more Chalco homeowners use rooftop solar panels to provide a dependable source of power and lower their carbon footprint. Making the switch to solar power helps cut your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a reputable installation company first. That’s why, after properly vetting providers, we assembled a guide to the most reputable solar companies in Chalco. These providers consistently deliver dependable quality service.
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
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:
Installing solar panels can cut your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When deciding if a solar provider is the best option for you, consider these key factors.
Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. In Nebraska, the state's Electrical Division issues and manages licenses to solar companies, with some cities requiring supplemental licenses or endorsements to perform solar work.
Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers say about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Avoid companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Call three to five solar companies for free, itemized quotes. A quote should describe all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the best option that fits your budget.
High-quality solar installations should include robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment. The output warranty guarantees an energy generation baseline. Strong warranties reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.
Going solar can help reduce your energy expenses over time. Be sure to evaluate these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.
Solar panel costs vary based on your system's capacity and the technology being used. The average solar system in Chalco has a capacity of 9.5 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay approximately $3,580 per kilowatt; the average Chalco homeowners spends roughly $23,804 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for things like the panel type, capacity, and size of the planned system, and should include fees for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor.
Incentive Amount:
Traditional Dollar and Energy Savings Loans:
Residential: $125,000;
Multifamily dwellings with 3 or more units: $250,000
Non-Residential: $500,000;
Home Electronics: $25,000;
Office Electronics: $50,000
Alternative Fuel Projects: $500,000
Telecommunications Projects: $250,000
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
PACE bonds are capped at $5 million unless approved by referendum.
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
There are many advantages of home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, raise your property values, and save money. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also provide you with additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
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 Chalco, the average amount someone can save is $1,634 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.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Chalco, meaning your payback period could last 14.6 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should inspect your panels for damage and clean them regularly. Full-service solar contractors in the Chalco area offer low-cost maintenance plans to help you make the most of your panels and keep them healthy for as long as possible.
Regarding 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 consult with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
The most common types of home solar panels in Chalco include polycrystalline, thin-film and monocrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are balanced and efficient, while polycrystalline and thin-film panels pair good performance with greater upfront value. Talk with your local provider about which solar panels they work with.
