Going Solar in Palm Desert: Essential Considerations for Choosing the Right Solar Installation Company

What To Consider When Choosing A Solar Installation Company In Palm Desert

When selecting a solar installation firm for your Palm Desert residence, it’s crucial to consider various factors. The typical household size in Palm Desert is around 1,823 square feet, which determines the optimal size of the solar system for your home. Furthermore, with over 100 solar companies operating in the area, you’ll have numerous options when it comes to choosing an installer.

Apart from house size and the abundance of solar companies, there are other vital factors to bear in mind when searching for a solar installation company in Palm Desert.

Size Of The System You Need

When contemplating solar energy, it’s essential to determine the number of panels or the size of the solar system required for your home. Before reaching out to a company for consultation, ensure you have the following information prepared to accurately assess your needs:

How much energy your household uses
How much space you have on your roof
How many hours of sun your home gets
The type of panels you wish to install

Also, tell your potential solar company how many people are in your household. Palm Desert has two people in the average household, so installers may use this average number as a benchmark for how much solar energy you need.

More info here: Evaluating Homeowner’s Solar Needs and Sizing the System

Solar Warranties

Solar companies in Palm Desert, CA, promise different things when you buy their solar panels. But many of them offer similar guarantees. Like, they’ll say your solar panels will work well and won’t have any factory mistakes for 25 years. If other parts break, like batteries or controllers, the warranty might be different depending on the brand.

Some companies also give extra protection in case something goes wrong during installation, like if your property gets damaged. Since installing solar panels involves changing your home’s structure, this coverage can be important. They also usually promise that the people installing the panels will do a good job, but how long they promise that for can vary.

If you decide to rent your solar panels instead of buying them, most companies will fix any problems while you’re renting them. They’ll also usually take care of maintaining the solar panels for you.

Types Of Solar Warranties

Different solar companies in Palm Desert, CA, offer different warranties, but many are similar. For example, most companies promise that their solar panels will work well and won’t have any factory mistakes for 25 years. But if other parts break, like batteries or controllers, the warranty might be different.

Because putting in solar panels means changing your home’s structure, some companies offer extra insurance to cover any damage during installation. No matter which company you pick, they usually promise that the installation work will be good quality, but how long they promise that for can vary.

If you rent your solar panels instead of buying them, most companies will fix any problems or do maintenance while you’re renting them.

Manufacturer’s Equipment Warranty (Product Guarantee): This warranty covers any mistakes in making the panels or if they stop working and usually lasts 25 years.
Performance Warranty (Power Guarantee): This is a promise that the panels will keep working at a certain level for a certain number of years. It might be 10 to 25 years and guarantees a certain percentage of power output.
Workmanship Warranty: This covers any damage during installation and can last from two to 15 years or more.

Solar Panel Type

When choosing solar panels for your home, you have a few options to consider: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, and solar shingles.

Monocrystalline: Panels are the most efficient but also the most expensive upfront.
Polycrystalline: Panels are cheaper but slightly less efficient. Thin-film panels are lightweight and affordable, great for those on a tighter budget.

Thin-film solar panels are a good choice for people who want to save money on solar power. They’re light and cheaper than other types.

Solar shingles Although pricier, offer a sleeker look and are ideal for those prioritizing aesthetics.

Cost

Monocrystalline panels are at the higher end, while thin-film panels are the most budget-friendly.

Overall, while solar panels are generally cheaper than solar shingles, the latter provides a more modern look and involves more complex installation.

Palm Desert Home Energy Needs

With the average Palm Desert home size at 1,823 square feet and typical energy use in California at 12,000-18,000 kWh per year, you can estimate your home’s energy requirements. This info helps you pick the right solar company for your budget.

How To Find The Best Palm Desert Solar Installers

Finding the top solar installation company in Palm Desert involves focusing on your needs and maintaining that focus during discussions with potential installers. Here are some tips to help you choose the best installer for your situation.

Get Several Quotes

Comparing prices is crucial when buying solar panels, as costs can vary greatly between companies. It’s wise to ask for quotes from at least four or five installers to understand the average cost in your area and find a company that fits your budget. Be cautious of unusually low quotes—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Insights From Palm Desert Homeowners

Check out feedback from homeowners in Palm Desert to find the right solar installation company. Look at reviews on platforms like Google and Facebook, and feel free to ask the company for testimonials from their past customers.

Learn about Why Supreme Solar is Your Go-To Company for a Brighter, Greener Tomorrow

Federal Solar Incentives For Palm Desert Residents

The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a significant financial incentive for eligible taxpayers who install solar energy systems between December 31st, 2021, and January 1st, 2033. It gradually decreases thereafter and is set to expire in 2035. This tax credit not only provides financial assistance but also promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility, helping taxpayers lower their tax bills.

The ITC allows qualified owners of solar energy systems to claim a 30% tax credit on their income tax return. However, to qualify, you must own the system. Additionally, there are state-specific incentives available that may further reduce your tax burden.

Local Solar Benefits For Palm Desert Residents

Palm Desert, California, is big on clean energy, offering perks to make solar power easy for locals.

The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) is one such perk, giving cash rewards for solar panels and other clean energy tech, up to $200 per kilowatt hour (kWh). It’s a nudge for homeowners and businesses to go green.

Also, there’s the California Solar Property Tax Exemption. This rule keeps property taxes steady even after installing solar, making solar investments a smart move financially. These local perks help Palm Desert go greener and live more sustainably.

INCENTIVE

SAVINGS

EXPLANATION

TYPE

OCCURRENCE

Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)

Up to $200 per kWh

Customers who install qualifying energy storage and self-generation systems can receive rebates of up to $200 per kWh

Rebate program

Point of purchase

Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH)

Up to $2 per watt

Offers financial incentives and support to property owners, developers and affordable housing providers who install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their multifamily properties.

Rebate program

Point of purchase

California Solar Property Tax Exemption

100% savings

The added value of a solar system is not included when determining the property’s assessed value for property tax purposes.

Property tax exemption

Ongoing after point of purchase

Net metering*

Dollar-for-dollar credit

Allows you to get credit for any surplus power produced by your solar panels.

Solar energy credit

Applied to future energy bills

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credits

30% of the overall system costs

A tax credit equal to 30% of your solar system costs when you file your annual income tax return. Applies to solar systems installed between 12/31/2021 and 01/01/2033

Personal tax credit

Point of purchase

*Rates may be different, depending on net metering program.

Solar Panel Expenses in Palm Desert

If you’re in Palm Desert and want to figure out solar panel costs, start by finding out the average price of a solar system in your state (6kW/8kW/10kW/12kW). Then, consider any potential federal solar tax credits. Lastly, look at your monthly kWh usage, using Palm Desert’s average as a guide.

Nationally, solar panels typically cost $16,000, ranging from $30,000-50,000 based on the type and model.

SIZE OF SOLAR SYSTEM (KW)

AVERAGE ANNUAL SYSTEM OUTPUT* (KWH)

AVERAGE COST OF SOLAR SYSTEM (BEFORE TAX CREDIT)

COST WITH (30%) SOLAR TAX CREDIT APPLIED

6 kW

10,500 - 13,300

$36,000

$25,200

8 kW

10,500 - 13,300

$48,000

$33,600

12 kW

16,000 - 20,000

$72,000

$50,400

How Much Money Can Solar Panels Save You in Palm Desert?

Discovering the savings from going solar is a definite perk. If you’re in Palm Desert, you might be curious about the potential savings. To gauge this, look at the average cost of grid power, which is $0.40 per kilowatt-hour, and the typical monthly household usage, which is 12,000-18,000 kWh per year. By comparing your home’s power usage with the local grid power cost, you can estimate potential savings.

For Palm Desert residents solely relying on solar, the average yearly savings are around $1,145. This calculation assumes a 6kW system paid off over 25 years. Keep in mind, this estimate doesn’t include any state-specific incentives that might be available. Additionally, consider that utility rates tend to increase by 8% annually, which further emphasizes the benefits of going solar.

DETAILS

COST AND SAVINGS

Average Cost Of 6kW Solar System With Installation

$36,000

Federal Tax Credit (30%)

$10,800

Estimated System Cost (Inc. Incentives)

$25,200

Break Even Period

6.1 years

20-Year Savings

$22,900

* Depends on location and the amount of sun hours received

Potential Solar Savings In Palm Desert

If you’re in Palm Desert and thinking about solar, you might be curious about the savings. Here’s a simple breakdown: look at the average cost of power from the grid, which is about $0.40 per kilowatt-hour, and how much power your home uses each month, usually around 12,00-18,000 kWh per year.

Going all-in on solar in Palm Desert could save you roughly $1,145 per year, on average. This is based on a 6kW system paid off over 25 years. Remember, this doesn’t include any local perks you might get. Also, keep in mind that utility rates tend to go up by about 8% each year, so your savings could increase over time.

Are Solar Panels Worth It In Palm Desert?

Solar panels might seem pricey at first, but they can lead to long-term savings on your energy bill. With Palm Desert enjoying around 277 days of sun each year, and the potential yearly savings from solar installations estimated at $1,145, along with the approximately 6,945 solar installations in Palm Desert, you can decide if the upfront cost and effort of installing solar will pay off in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Happens If My Home Produces More Electricity Than I Need?

Most households generate between 250 and 400 watts of electricity. Typically, solar panel systems start with 1 kW and produce around 750 to 850 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. Larger homes with more occupants tend to generate closer to the upper end of this range.

So, if your home in Palm Desert, CA, generates surplus solar electricity, it’s generally a positive situation. Your household might be consuming less energy than usual, or you might have installed more solar panels than necessary. In such cases, the local energy provider may offer you a credit if you feed the excess power back into the community grid.

Do solar panels increase property taxes?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home, potentially leading to higher property taxes. However, it’s worth noting that homes equipped with solar systems are often eligible for tax credits, which can help offset any additional tax burdens.

How long will it take to break even after installing solar panels?

On average, it takes around eight years to recoup the upfront costs of installing solar panels, although this timeframe can vary from about six to 10 years.

How much solar panel output will my system generate every day?

You can use the following formula to estimate daily energy production from a solar panel:

Power in watts × average hours of direct sunlight = daily watt-hours

For instance, if a 300W solar panel receives six hours of sunlight per day, its total energy output can be calculated by multiplying 300Wh by 6, resulting in 1800Wh or 1.8kWh.

How long do solar panels last?

The longer your solar panels continue to produce electricity efficiently, the more money you’ll save. Most residential solar panels have a lifespan of 25 years before experiencing noticeable degradation in energy production.

GO SOLAR. GO SUPREME.

Break the grip of greedy utilities and power your home on your terms.