How much do solar panels cost to install on your home?

It depends on how much electricity you use in your home. The amount of electricity you use will determine how large a solar panel system you get installed. The most cost effective solar panel system installation is when your electric bill is high and you are paying over $100 a month to SDGE. That monthly utility payment can be brought down to zero, and instead that money can be spent on paying off a loan for a solar electric system you own. The larger the system, the more money you save in the long run.

Another aspect to take into account is once the solar panel system is paid off, that when you gain the most benefit. To determine how long it will take to get there, you will need to do some calculations. Below is an estimate on how much you can expect to pay based on how large of a solar panel system you get installed:

Our goal is to get you the best deal on a solar electric system for your home. We work with you to help you make good decisions about how to lower your energy bill and increase the value of your home. We recommend buying your solar system and getting a loan to pay off the purchase over 8 to 20 years. This is a much better decision than signing a lease.

Other solar companies out there may try to get you to sign a lease with them. This means they own the solar electric system, and you rent it from them. The advantage of a lease is if there is an rare chance that the solar panels break, they will repair them for you without any charge. The dis-advantage is it is MUCH more expensive for several reasons. First and most influential is that you don’t get the federal tax rebates, which can be around $10,000. Second since leasing cost more, their goal is to match your current monthly electric bill payment. That means you don’t actually save any money. Some leases include payment increases over time which match utility rates increase. Continue reading “Why you should Buy your Solar System with a Loan instead of Lease” »

We can assist you in getting an Energy Efficiency & Solar Loan through San Diego Metropolitan Credit Union. These loans make purchasing upgrades such as a Solar Photovoltaic System, or replacement windows affordable without needing to pay a large amount up front. Pay off the cost for the energy efficient product over time as you save money on your energy bill.

Program parameters include:

• Single family residential homes located in San Diego County
• Below market loan rates
• Fixed rate loan up to a maximum term of 20 years
• Loan amounts up to $25,000 – Energy Efficient Home Improvements
• Loan amounts up to $50,000 – Solar Photovoltaic Systems
• Establish a loan loss reserve account with Installation Services of San Diego

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 allocated funds to the City of San Diego to support energy efficiency programs that benefit its residents. Working with existing energy efficiency incentive programs offered by Energy Upgrade California (EUC) and CSI– Thermal, the Home Energy Loan Program  makes it more affordable to conserve energy and save money on utility bills. At the same time, upgrades can increase the comfort, health, safety and value of the home.

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Installation Services of San Diego is dedicated to finding ways to help home owners save money and use less resources by identifying aspects of your home that could benefit from emerging energy efficient technology. Our goal is to provide products that pay for themselves over time. There are several ways to get new energy efficient products installed and save money on the long run.

The best way to determine what energy efficient products you can benefit from, and work out how long it will take to received rebates, and energy bill saves is to have one of our qualified contractors make a Free Home Energy Analysis. That way you can find the most cost effective solution that benefits you the most.

Free Home Energy Analysis

Continue reading “Free Home Energy Analysis” »

The sun is the cleanest, cost effective renewable energy source. By installing a solar panel system on your roof, you utilize that energy source to power your home. The system eventually pays for itself in energy savings. The SDG&E rates are increasing each year, and the government gives up to 30% tax credit from the costs of a new system. It is an investment for your home, and helps you gain energy independence.

Custom Solar Panel Installation Engineering Plans

Our engineering department will help you decide on which solar panel system is best for your situation. After you have decided we make custom design plans to on the setup. Below ia an example of custom design plans:

Continue reading “Custom Solar Panel System Installation for your Home” »

The majority of product we install are Energy Star products and are eligible for a federal tax credit on your next tax return. The percentage of this credit varies depending on your unique situation. Our installer can help you estimate how much of a tax credit you can receive.

Solar Energy System

• Tax Credit: 30% of cost with no upper limit
• Expires: December 31, 2016
• Details: Existing homes & new construction qualify. Both principal residences and second homes qualify. Rentals do not qualify.

• Requirements: At least half of the energy generated by the “qualifying property” must come from the sun. The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a comparable entity endorsed by the government of the state in which the property is installed.

  Note: The credit is not available for expenses for swimming pools or hot tubs. The water must be used in the dwelling.
  Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.
  Tax Credit includes installation costs.

More information on how to apply for the tax credit.

Windows, Doors, Skylights

Details on the 2013 Home Improvement Tax Rebate:

• Tax Rebate: 10% of cost of the home improvement, up to a maximum of $500. Windows are capped at $200.
• Expiration: December 31, 2013
• Eligibility: Must be on an existing home & your principal residence. New construction and rentals don’t qualify. Must be placed in service in 2013.
• Limitations: Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs.
• Tax Form: You need to file the 2011 IRS Form 5695 and submit it with your 2011 taxes (by April 15, 2014). On the 1040 form , the residential energy tax credit (from Form 5695) is claimed on line 52.
• Receipt: Save your receipts and the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement for your records.
• U-Factor: Windows must have at least 0.35 U-Factor in Southern California. Other locations depend on climate zone. Door U-factor depend on how much glass is used.

Source: Energy Star
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index

U-Factor glass requirements for windows and doors:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_anat_window

Installation Services of San Diego is not an agent or affiliate of SDG&E and/or CONTRACTOR RECRUITMENT AND MENTORING VENDOR.

We purchase our replacement and retrofit doors and windows from Discount Door and Window in San Diego. They provide high quality energy efficient products at a very reasonable price. Most of these products are custom make to provide the best fit for our customers. You can purchase products directly from the website. They offer Fiberglass, solid wood, and Vinyl products. Learn more about what they have available by visiting: DiscountDW.com