Considering a Solar Unit?
Grid-tied solar systems often require a substantial financial commitment. Here are some tips to get the most for your money.
We recommend and encourage members to review all of these resources to help you make an informed decision.
- To assist, here’s a list of Solar Energy Frequently Asked Questions addressing upfront costs, potential energy savings, and your responsibilities.
- For terminology familiarization, here’s a Solar Glossary.
- As you evaluate solar dealers and installers, use our comprehensive checklist of Questions to Ask the Installers.
- Download and review our Distributed Generation Forms to make sure you understand the process and associated rates.
- Ready to proceed? Fill out our Member Application for Interconnection.
Contact Our Solar Advisor If You Need Help
WCEC has a dedicated solar advisor to help you through the process.
- The ideal time to contact him is before you sign a contract.
- He can review your planned system and help calculate projected savings.
- If you decide grid-tied solar is right for you, the advisor will collaborate with you and your contractor to implement your system.
- He’ll also serve as your primary contact during inspection, installation, and subsequent activities.
- Email WCEC’s Solar Advisor with your specific questions and include your account number.
- Additionally, you can call him at (903) 763-2203
- He’ll respond during normal business hours.
Solar Savings Tips
Focus on Energy Efficiency First To Maximize Savings
- It’s way less expensive to save energy than to produce energy.
- Reducing consumption to the greatest degree possible is the first and best step to save on your energy bill.
- Energy Conservation can be accomplished in a variety of ways and depends on your structure type, kind of HVAC, and other large appliances.
- Building insulation is one of the first places to look and the number one thing you can do to reduce consumption.
- Visit our Energy Saving Center section for an array of tips.
Try To Use Every Kilowatt Hour (kWh) You Make
- Grid-tied solar accounts are paid with a credit for each kWh they send to WCEC.
- The rate paid is based on market and economic factors and is periodically adjusted, but it is always less than what a member pays WCEC per kWh.
- To optimize the financial advantage of your grid-tied solar, aim to consume every kWh produced by your solar unit.
- For each kWh of solar power used, you’ll avoid purchasing a higher priced kWh than you are paid by the co-op.
Understanding the Rate Difference
- The rate charged to co-op members per kWh encompasses the cost of purchased electricity, along with all of WCEC’s overhead and facility costs.
- This includes wires, meters, substations, hardware, and other overhead expenses like vehicles, fuel, personnel, and administrative offices.
- When WCEC purchases electricity from a member, the payment is solely for the electricity procured, similar to the arrangement with wholesale electricity providers.
How the Federal Solar Tax Credit Works
The Residential Clean Energy Credit provides a 30% TAX CREDIT on energy-efficiency home improvements, including residential solar, water heaters, heat pumps, battery storage, etc. This is not a cash-back incentive, but if you owe taxes, it will reduce the amount you will pay in federal taxes.
For example, if you buy a $20,000 solar array, you’ll be eligible for a $6,000 credit. When you file, the taxes you owe will be reduced by $6,000. If the credit amount is more than you owe in taxes for the year, you can apply the remainder in future years.
What’s eligible?
- Panel and hardware costs.
- Labor costs for installing, as well as for electrical work to connect an array to your home.
- Permitting fees.
How do I claim my federal solar tax credit?
- When filing your taxes the following year, fill out the IRS Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits.
- You won’t receive cash back, per se, but your tax bill will be reduced.