Is Alternative Energy Worth It?
Before we dive in, we should find out if an alternative energy solution is right for your needs. Whether you’re living off the grid and want your own grid alternative for your tiny home, just want electricity for your motorhome, camper, or camper van when visiting remote places, or simply saving more money on your homes energy bill utilizing the tax credits and minimizing your dependance on the power companies. Let’s take a look at what alternative energy is all about, how we can use it to our advantage, and what the highest efficiency solar panels are.
Alternative Sources Of Energy
The most common alternative energy technologies for home use are still just Wind & Solar. Wind turbines are simply too expensive while having a significant ecological footprint, and better tax incentives for solar is why you see most people using solar panels as alternative energy sources. Solar is good for the environment, helps fight global warming, and also helps save your hard earned money.
Living Off The Grid
The idea of going “off the grid” when it comes to power has been creating buzz for a long time now, but it hasn’t been something you could really do. The idea is a great one – instead of being a slave to the power company that charges you an arm and a leg for electricity, you can generate your own power off the grid. How about the idea of making your power meter run backwards, forcing the power company to pay YOU for the power you are sending back into the grid from your solar energy panels.
Generating electricity off the grid previously required “cutting edge” and very expensive technologies. But these days, the low cost of building solar electricity panels and wind turbines, along with design plans that are easy to build at home, makes them a great option for anybody who wants to cut their power bill.
Before long, I think most homeowners will be generating their own energy off the grid to drastically cut their electric bills down to size. As more and more people are figuring out that you can do this at home for an affordable cost these days, it doesn’t make sense to pay a high power bill when you can generate some or all of your power off the grid.
Best States For Solar Energy
In general, the best places for Utilizing solar energy are in the South Western region of the United States. Southern California, New Mexico and Arizona see more sunlight per day than most other regions of the country. That doesn’t mean renewable energy isn’t for you, in fact it can still be quite beneficial and impactful.
States with The Best Solar Energy Incentives
Solar Energy Federal Tax Credit
No matter which state you live in, all American homeowners can claim a federal tax incentive for installing solar panels. This credit can be claimed on your federal income tax return and is worth 26% of the total cost of your solar purchase. The incentive is meant to make solar installations more affordable and more accessible to a wider range of homeowners.
The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) was first developed through the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Initially, it was set to last for just two years, but it has been extended for home solar installations through at least 2023. (Note that the specific terms of the credit have changed over the years and may continue to shift.)
To be eligible for the federal credit, homeowners must meet the following criteria:
- You have installed a residential solar system at any point from 2006 through the end of 2022.
- You have placed the solar system in a residential location. It does not have to be your primary residence.
- You own the solar system (as opposed to leasing it), meaning you paid for it in cash or are financing it.
New York Solar Energy Incentives
Residents of New York have a number of ways to cut down costs on solar panel installation, besides what’s offered by the federal tax incentive:
- NY-Sun Megawatt Block incentive: Under this program, solar consumers can claim a dollars-per-watt ($/W) cash rebate for their systems. Both residential and commercial systems can qualify for this program.
- Solar Energy System Equipment Credit: This solar incentive allows residents to deduct up to $5,000 or 25% of total solar energy expenses from their taxes (whichever is lower). The credit is available to homeowners who purchase a new system or who choose to lease a system.
- Sales tax exemption: Buyers do not pay the state’s 4% sales tax on solar equipment.
- Net metering: New York residents may also take advantage of the current statewide net metering program, which allows any excess solar power generated by a system to be fed back into the solar grid in exchange for credits on utility bills.
Rhode Island Solar Energy Incentives
For residents of Rhode Island, there are several ways to save money on solar installation:
- CommerceRI’s Renewable Energy Fund grant program: Under this program, homeowners can get a rebate of $0.85 per watt, capped at $7,000, when they have a new system installed. For the average system, this amounts to savings of somewhere between $4,000 and $5,000.
- Property tax exemption: This exemption makes sure that, even if solar panels raise the value of your property, they will not raise your property taxes.
- Sales tax exemption: When Rhode Island residents purchase a new solar system, they are exempt from paying the state’s 7% sales tax on the equipment.
- Net metering: Rhode Island residents may feed their excess solar power back into the solar grid in exchange for utility credits. The state has a Renewable Energy Growth program that ensures those enrolled receive 29.65 cents per kilowatt-hour fed back to the grid for 15 years.
Iowa Solar Energy Incentives
Iowa offers a number of solar tax incentives, in addition to the federal tax credit:
- Iowa Solar Energy System Tax Credit: Iowa residents can recoup 15% of the cost of a solar system, capped at $5,000. This credit is claimed when filing state income taxes.
- Property tax exemption: This exemption assures Iowa homeowners that property taxes will not rise if solar panels raise the value of their property.
- Sales tax exemption: Iowans do not have to pay the 6% state sales tax when they purchase equipment for their new solar system.
- Net metering: Iowa residents may also take advantage of net metering credits.
Connecticut Solar Energy Incentives
Several financial incentives are available in Connecticut, including each of the following:
- Residential Solar Investment Rebate Program: This rebate is managed by the Connecticut Green Bank and pays $0.463 per watt of solar installed. Most homeowners are eligible for more than $2,000 savings through this rebate program.
- Energy Conservation Loan Program: Connecticut residents who wish to purchase a solar system can get low-interest loans from the state government. Specifically, residents can borrow up to $25,000 for 10 years with interest rates as low as 0% and no higher than 6%.
- Sales tax exemption: Connecticut residents do not have to pay the 6.35% state sales tax on new solar equipment.
- Property tax exemption: This exemption assures Connecticut homeowners that property taxes will not be raised after solar panel installation.
- Net metering: Connecticut residents also have the option of net metering, meaning any excess solar power generated by their system can be fed back into the solar grid in exchange for utility credits.
Maryland Solar Energy Incentives
In addition to the federal tax incentives, Maryland residents can take advantage of these financial incentives:
- Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program: Maryland residents get a rebate of $1,000 when they install a new solar panel system or solar shingles at their primary residence.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): Maryland homeowners may receive one certificate for each megawatt-hour of clean electricity they produce via their residential solar system. These credits can then be sold on the SREC market.
- Property tax exemption: Installing solar systems can increase the value of a home, but Maryland residents do not have to pay any additional property taxes.
- Sales tax exemption: Maryland residents do not have to pay the state’s 6% sales tax on new solar equipment.
- Net metering: Maryland homeowners have access to net metering, meaning any excess solar power generated by their system can be fed back into the solar grid in exchange for utility credits.
New Mexico Solar Energy Incentives
In New Mexico, residents can take advantage of the federal tax incentive as well as the following:
- Solar Market Development Tax Credit: New Mexico taxpayers get a 10% tax credit (up to $6,000) toward total solar energy expenses.
- Sustainable Building Tax Credit: New Mexico will credit up to $6.50 per square foot on your income taxes when you install solar panels. Note that, to qualify, the home must be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.
- Property tax exemption: New Mexico homeowners don’t pay property taxes on their increased home value after installing solar panels.
- Net metering: Homeowners can take advantage of the state’s net metering program to sell excess energy back to the grid.
Colorado Solar Energy Incentives
In Colorado, some of the most prominent solar tax incentives include:
- Local rebates: Although Colorado does not have a statewide solar rebate program, the majority of major utility companies and local organizations offer incentives.
- Community Solar Gardens: Colorado is a leader in community solar adoption, which means many non-homeowner residents can subscribe to get their energy from an off-site solar array.
- Sales tax exemption: The state does not tax the physical equipment of solar panels or solar systems.
- Property tax exemption: Colorado residents do not have to pay any additional property taxes for increased home value due to solar installation.
- Net metering: Colorado homeowners can take advantage of net metering through their utility companies.
Massachusetts Solar Energy Incentives
There are several incentives available to homeowners in Massachusetts:
- Residential Energy Credit: Massachusetts residents can get a credit worth up to 15% of the total cost of their solar system. The maximum is a $1,000 credit.
- Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program: The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources created this incentive program, which provides credits to customers of investor-owned utility companies.
- Property tax exemption: Massachusetts residents do pay additional property taxes after installing solar panels.
- Sales tax exemption: Massachusetts does not tax the physical equipment of solar panels or solar systems.
- Net metering: Customers of regulated electric companies are eligible for net metering in Massachusetts.
New Hampshire Solar Energy Incentives
Tax incentives available in New Hampshire include:
- Renewable Energy Generation Incentive Program: Those with a solar system size of 10 kilowatts (kW) or less can claim credits worth either $0.20 per watt (up to $1,000) or half the cost of their residential solar system.
- Property tax exemption: New Hampshire residents in select counties are exempt from paying increased property taxes from the value add of their residential solar system.
- Net metering: New Hampshire has a statewide net metering program through which residents can get money back from utilities.
New Jersey Solar Energy Incentives
The following incentives are available to residents of New Jersey:
- Transition Renewable Energy Certificates (TRECs): Residential solar systems can help homeowners earn these certificates, which can be sold back to utility companies.
- Property tax exemption: Those who live in New Jersey are exempt from any property tax increases related to their residential solar equipment.
- Sales tax exemption: Residents do not have to pay the state’s 6.625% sales tax on solar panels and related installation equipment.
- Net metering: New Jersey homeowners can take advantage of net metering, meaning any excess solar power generated by their system can be fed back into the solar grid in exchange for credits.
Finding Solar Panels To Fit Your Needs
Here is where we will break down what type of setup you will need depending on your needs and living situation. Someone looking to power a home isn’t going to need the same setup as someone who just wants to power their camper or tiny home off the grid.
Motorhomes, Campervans, And Tiny Homes
There are starter kits available starting at 100 Watt that average less than $200, however the price increase for a 200 Watt system is so negligible that you’re better off just getting the larger 200W unit. If you want the highest efficiency solar panels you might have to spend a bit more.
Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
The Starter Kit is great for off-grid applications, such as RVs, trailers, boats, sheds, and cabins — providing many benefits- quiet power production and grid independence. Adding a monocrystalline solar panel kit can extend your travels further than ever before.
Efficient
- High Solar Photovoltaic Cell (PV) efficiency : Monocrystalline 21%
Reliable
- EL tested solar modules; no hot-spot heating guaranteed
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum frame for extended outdoor use, allowing the panels to last for decades
- TPT back sheet ensures smooth performance over a long period of time
- IP65 rated junction box provides complete protection against environmental particles and low pressure water jets
Intuitive
- Sealed, Gel Flooded and Lithium charging algorithm ready
- 4-Stage battery charging process for a rapid, efficient, and safe battery charging
Safe
- The Renogy Wanderer is equipped with multiple electronic protections; overcharging, overload, short-circuit and reversed polarity
- Pre-drilled holes on the back of the panel allow for fast and secure mounting
Expandable
- With the Renogy Wanderer Li 30A PWM Charge Controller, you can expand your system up to a maximum of 400W. The Renogy 100W Monocrystalline Expansion Kit is the perfect solution for future expansion
Renogy 200 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Reliable
- Advanced encapsulation material with multi-layered sheet laminations enhance cell performance and provide a long service life
- EL-tested solar modules; no hot-spot heating guaranteed
- Bypass diodes minimize power drop caused by shade
- TPT back sheet ensures smooth performance over a long period of time
Durable
- Guaranteed positive output tolerance (0-3%); withstands high winds (2400Pa) and snow loads (5400Pa)
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum frame allows extended outdoor use; the panels can last for decades
- Anti-reflective, high transparency, low iron-tempered glass with enhanced stiffness and impact resistance
- IP65 rated junction box provides complete protection against environmental particles and low-pressure water jets
Versatile
- Can be used for many different applications
- Ground mount compatible
- Compatible with on-grid and off-grid inverters
Installation Ready
- Pre-drilled holes on the back of the panel allow for fast mounting and securing
- Pre-drilled holes included for grounding Compatible with different Renogy mounting systems such as Z-Brackets, Pole Mounts, and Tilt Mounts
DOKIO 300W 18V Portable Solar Panel Kit
FOLDABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT EASY TO CARRY
This solar panel photovoltaic packs 300W of power yet is only 0.9 inch thick, Foldable Dimension 41×22 inch and weighs 17lb, making it easier to mount, transport, hang, and remove.
COMPLETE KIT WORKS OUT OF THE BOX
Solar charger for all 12V batteries ,with its 18V optimum power voltage.Protection against: overcharging, overload, short-circuit
PORTABLE DESIGN AND WIDE APPLICABILITY
85ft (3m) cable length from panel to controller, For most power stations (Jackery, Goal Zero, Ecoflow, Paxcess) and 12-volt batteries(AGM, LiFePo4, Deep cycle batteries),RV ,car, boat, trailer, truck, campingvan.
POWERFUL HIGH CONVERSION EFFICIENCY
With high efficiency monocrystalline solar cell, you will get greater power efficiency even though the panel is smaller than a traditional model. Maximizes system output by reducing mismatch loss.
Renogy 400 Watt 12 Volt Premium 4 Pcs
- Designed for off-grid solar panel system, caravan, RV, boat, Green house solar panel system. Cell efficiency: Regular Monocrystalline: 21% photovoltaic cell (PV) efficiency
- Sleek design and a durable frame, the Renogy Premium 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Panel provides you with the highest efficiency per area and is the perfect item for off-grid applications.
- Rover charge controller brings peak conversion efficiency of 98%, high Tracking efficiency of 99%; 4-Stage battery charging process for a rapid, efficient, and safe battery charging
- IP65 rated junction box provides complete protection against environmental particles and low pressure water jets
- Pre-drilled holes on the back of the panel allow for fast mounting and securing, Comes equipped with an Waterproof In-line fuse and ANL fuse components for protecting your charge controller and battery
Larger Solar Systems For Homes, Garage, and Utility
Giosolar 1200W 24V/48V Solar Panel Off Grid System, 12PCS 100W
- Imported ETFE Material: Premium EFTE Film, features superior light transmittance and weatherproof performance, and is also heat, corrosion, and UV resistant.
- High Efficiency: Honey-Comb Structure, which increased light absorption. Double sunlight refraction leads to a higher conversion rate.
- ETFE also has self-cleaning abilities, ensures the best performance day after day.
- Comes with MPPT Controller: Advanced MPPT maximum power point tracking technology, 12V/24V/48V battery system automatic identification function. the tracking efficiency is not less than 99.5%, compared with the ordinary PWM algorithm, the photovoltaic cell (PV) efficiency is increased by 15% to 20%.
- 100w ETFE Flexible bendable monocrystalline solar panel, can be gently flexed to follow a smooth curve of 30 degrees max.
BLUETTI AC200P Portable Power Station with Solar Panel Included
BLUETTI AC200P Portable Power Station with Solar Panel Included 2000W
Highest Efficiency 23%
BLUETTI AC200P Portable Power Station
- Capacity: 2000Wh/2000W, LiFePo4, 3500+ cycle life
- AC Load: Continuous 2000W(2000W<load<2500w@2mins, surge 4800W)
- Solar Input: Max.700W, OCV 35-150V, Current Max.12A, MPPT
- PV+ AC(1100W Max.,2.5-3Hrs) recharging simultaneously
- Support Dual AC adapter(Total 800W) fast recharge
BLUETTI SP200 200W Foldable Solar Panel
- Sunpower monocrystalline silicon cells, ETFE, scratch-proof, and easy to clean
- Photovoltaic Cell (PV) Efficiency 23%, working voltage: 19.8v, OCV:24V, short circuit current: 6.66A
- Portable & Compact: 20.7*20.5inch(Folded), Weight: 14.3lbs
Package Included:
- 1*BLUETTI AC200P solar power station (2000Wh/2000W,) ,1*AC Adapter Charger,1*Solar Charging Cable(XT90 to solar charging cable), 1*Car Charging Cable(Car to XT90),1* XT90 to Aviation Plug(input),
- 3 Pcs 200W foldable solar panels(BLUETTI SP200) ， 2*User Manual.
Zamp Solar Legacy Series 1,020-Watt Roof Mount Solar Panel Kit
- Handcrafted in the USA; 25-year output warranty; Easy Installation; Best-in-class solar cells
- Charges most types of 12-volt batteries, including lithium; Expandable up to 1020 watts
- Included 60-amp charge controller with remote LCD display monitors and protects batteries and panels
- Kit includes 6 x 170-watt panels (single panel: 58.3 inches x 26.4 inches x 1.5 inches) plus…
- 60-Amp controller, remote display, wiring harnesses, 2 x 3-port roof caps, fuse block, mounting feet
3000W 48V Giosolar Wind & Solar Hybrid System with Power Inverter
The Giosolar 3000W 48V Solar Wind kit includes:
– 20x 100W ETFE Flexible Monocrystalline solar panels with 90mm of special solar cable and waterproof connectors
– 1x 1000W 48V Wind Turbine Generator with 5 blades
– 1x 48V 40A MPPT Solar Charge Controller
– 1x Wind Charge Controller
– 1x 3000W 48V Peak 6000W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter
– 1x 5M solar cable with connectors ( Red about 2.5M, Black about 2.5M)
– 1x Branch Connectors
100W ETFE Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel Specifications:
– Maximum Power: 100W
-Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp): 17.5 V
-Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc):21 V
-Optimum Operating Current (Imp): 5.72 A
-Short-Circuit Current (Isc): 6.22 A
-Weight: 1.85KG/4.1LBS
-Dimensions:1050*540*2.5mm
– 90mm of special cable with male & female connectors attached
ECO-WORTHY 3000W 48V Off Grid Complete Solar Panel Kit System
Our Pick for the best 3KW solar inverter and panel kit:
- 12kwh daily output depends on the sunlight availability. This kit will meet daily basic electric needs, ideal for RV/Boat/Home use
- For charging battery and a backup power, which can provide power for household air conditioning, TV, refrigerator, computer and lighting
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum frame for extended outdoor use, allowing the panels to last for decades as well as withstand high winds (2400Pa) and snow loads (5400Pa)
- Correct connection order: First connect the 48V battery pack to the 60A charge controller, then connect the PV (solar) array to the combiner box, then connect the combiner box to the controller, lastly connect the inverter to the battery
- Package List:16pcs 195W Solar Panel+ 4 String PV Combiner Box+ 60A Controller+ 4pcs 100Ah Battery+ 3500W 48V-110V Off Grid Inverter+ Solar Cables + Z Bracket
ECO-WORTHY 4KW 16KWH 48V Complete Solar Power System Kit
Output Power
This premium solar panel kit can produce a daily output of 16,000 WH under 4 hours of sunshine, and it can fully charge the battery of the system in about 6 hours.
Hybrid solar charger inverter
Composed of 3500W 48V pure sine wave and 80A MPPT controller. Not only can it be used off-grid, but when there is no sunlight, it can also receive electricity from the grid to charge the battery to meet all-weather use, which will protect appliance life with no electromagnetic pollution and has 99.9% high efficiency power.
Combiner box
The combiner box offers safety protection, with 10A fuse for each string, anti-backflow diodes and lighting protection.6 independent terminals, make you get rid of the complex tangled troubles of the connection,so that your installation is more easily and convenient.
Application
The super-high-power generation system meets the power needs of your home and large scenes, and is suitable for high-power home appliances, such as air conditioners, microwave ovens, and electric water heaters, etc.
Installation
Firstly, like our wiring diagram, connect each 4 panels in series to form a group, then connect the 5 groups of solar panels in parallel, and then directly connect them to our combiner box. Then, connect the combiner box and the 2 packs of battery(each group of 4 total 48V) in parallel to our all-in-one hybrid charger inverter. Finally, connect the all-in-one to the load you want to use. If you have any problems about the installation, pls feel free to contact our customer service
Looking For The Best 6.6KW Solar System & Greater?
- Highly Efficient Solar Panels, Solar Panel System
- All-in-one Hybrid Solar Inverter, Solar Generator, Home Solar Inverter, Solar Kit With Battery Inverter
- Full Set Mounting Cable & Z Brackets, Complete Off Grid Solar Panel Kit, Off Grid Solar System
- Pure Gel Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery, solar panel kit with mppt controller
- Inverter, Solar charger, Batteries are All-in-One Prewired Unit
Renogy 30pcs 320W Mono-crystalline Solar Panel System Kit 9.6KW
Our Pick For Highest Watt Solar Panel
- EL tested solar modules; No hot-spot heating guaranteed; Minimizes micro-cracks; PERC Solar Cells, Black frame solar panel;Low power loss in cell connection; Better shading tolerance
- Capable of withstanding heavy snow load up to 6000 pa, wind load up to 4000 pa; Corrosion-resistant aluminum frame for extended outdoor use
- Anti-reflective, high transparency, low iron-tempered glass with enhanced stiffness and impact resistance
- IP68 rated junction box provides complete protection against environmental particles and low-pressure water jets
- Can be used for many different applications, even work sheds, garages, or camps; Ideal for residential and commercial rooftop systems; Ground mount compatible; Compatible with on-grid and off-grid inverters
Recommended Solar Installers Near Me?
If you don’t want to go through the trouble of installing it yourself, no worries; There’s a lot to do so if you want it done right and done quickly you might want a professional solar installer. We are able to bring our subscribers an exciting deal on first time solar installs, so whether you’re looking to just dip your toes in with a basic solar setup or want the big fish package. These guys are the best at what they do, and they have a good reputation for customer support should you need it. They’re one of highest efficiency retailer on the market, so they’re doing something right.
Best Solar Energy Efficiency By Manufacturer
Keep in mind these may not be available to you in your area for some time as these are backordered quite heavily, but perhaps as time goes by these models will be more readily available
| # | Manufacturer | Model | Efficiency | Power Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bluetti | BLUETTI AC200P | 23.00% | 2000 W |
| 2 | LG Solar | NeON R Ace LG405Q1C-A6 | 22.30% | 405 W |
| 3 | REC Group | Alpha Pure REC405AA | 21.90% | 405 W |
| 4 | Panasonic | EverVolt EVPV380 | 21.70% | 380 W |
| 5 | Upsolar | Mono 182 UP-M560MH | 21.60% | 560 W |
| 6 | LONGi | Hi-Mo 5m LR-72HPH | 21.50% | 550 W |
| 7 | Canadian Solar | HiKu7 Mono Perc CS7N-665MS | 21.40% | 665 W |
| 7 | Silfab Solar | Elite Sil-380 | 21.40% | 380 W |
| 9 | JA Solar | JAM72S30/MR | 21.30% | 550 W |
| 9 | Risen Energy | Titan S RSM40-8-4-410M | 21.30% | 410 W |
| 11 | Seraphim | SIV Series SRP-540-BMA-HV | 21.13% | 540 W |
| 12 | Jetion | Jenius III JT545SGh | 21.10% | 545 W |
| 13 | Trina Solar | TallMax TSM-DE15M(II) | 20.90% | 420 W |
| 13 | Suntech | Ultra S STP455S-B72/Vnh | 20.90% | 455 W |
| 13 | S-Energy | SN72 Half-Cell M6 Mono | 20.90% | 455 W |
| 16 | Yingli | YLM 120 Cell YL380D | 20.86% | 380 W |
| 17 | Axitec Solar USA | AXIpremium XL HC AC-450MH | 20.70% | 450 W |
| 18 | QCells | Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G9+ | 20.60% | 385 W |
| 19 | Solaria | PowerXT®-370R-PD | 20.50% | 370 W |
| 20 | Jinko Solar | Eagle 66TR G4 | 20.43% | 370 W |