Business Advantages Of Local Solar Services Uneeb KhanOctober 31, 20220121 views Choosing a local solar services company has its advantages. Not only are the contractors readily available, but they are also able to meet with their clients on site to go over the details of the solar installation process. This helps to create a better collaborative relationship, and ensures that all concerns and issues are addressed quickly. Table of Contents Community SolarTax CreditsWarranty Plans Community Solar Community solar services are a great way to support clean energy without installing solar panels on your roof. These solar farms are typically built on vacant property or community buildings, and anyone can subscribe to a portion of the energy produced. You can expect to save as much as 10 percent on your monthly electric bill with these services, and you’ll be helping to reduce the need for fossil fuels and greenhouse gases. The process works as follows: First, a utility or third-party organization selects a site. Once the site has been selected, a sponsor will buy panels from the utility for a price that covers all the construction, equipment, and operations. Once the project is up and running, the sponsor will maintain it and distribute virtual net metering credits to subscribers. The company will then install the solar panels in an open space where the panels will receive plenty of sunlight. A community solar program works similarly to a massive solar farm, but the process is more manageable and flexible. In many cases, a community solar project can earn back the investment in solar panels in a short time, and it can grow in size to include more people. A community solar project can benefit businesses of all sizes. It can improve the bottom line of a business while simultaneously supporting local businesses. For example, hospitals and nonprofit organizations can use their savings to better serve their patients. Even large commercial and industrial facilities can benefit. Tax Credits Tax credits for local solar services can provide substantial financial incentives for homeowners and businesses to convert to solar energy. These incentives can reduce electricity bills and increase home equity. However, there are certain restrictions. For instance, homeowners must apply by May 1 of the year following the installation. There is also a five-million-dollar cap on solar credits each year, and there is a waiting list. For those who do not qualify for federal incentives, some utility companies may offer rebates to help offset the cost of a solar system. These rebates can either be applied to the home energy bill, or paid directly to the homeowner. Utility companies in Texas, for example, offer a variety of rebate programs. The federal tax credit covers the costs of installing solar panels, installation labor, and permits and inspections. The tax credit also applies to other clean energy systems, such as fuel cell systems, geothermal heat pumps, and small wind energy systems. A portion of the credit is also available for energy storage. Beginning in 2022, battery systems combined with solar panels will qualify for the full 30% credit. Solar tax credits are provided by many local utilities, state governments, and municipalities. These rebates help homeowners offset their energy costs while reducing their carbon footprint. Solar panels provide homeowners with energy independence and a sense of control over their future. Warranty Plans A wide variety of warranties are available for solar systems and their components. Some of these warranties cover the installation process while others cover product warranties. Manufacturer product warranties cover the replacement of defective parts and equipment, but typically do not cover labor costs required to troubleshoot or repair the systems. Some manufacturers offer extended warranty periods for a fee. Warranty plans for local solar services can cover the materials and workmanship for a specified number of years. These warranties are designed to prevent expensive repair bills if the system breaks down. Some companies also offer a 25-year workmanship warranty. If you choose a local solar service, you may find prices to be lower than average. In addition, some companies may only offer solar panel installations, while others specialize in battery backups. Most solar PV installers offer a warranty for the work performed. This warranty covers everything from the design and installation of the solar system to any parts that break or are not functioning properly. While the warranty for product and labor can vary, they all include some form of coverage for parts and labor. The warranty for installation is the most comprehensive, with 8MSolar providing the most extensive coverage in the industry. Choosing a local solar service with a warranty is important for two reasons. First, you want to know the company’s service area. Not all solar companies serve all areas of Arizona. Some only serve the Phoenix area or the surrounding areas. Secondly, you want to find one that offers a warranty for both the equipment and the installation.