How to Get Paid to Install Solar Panels & 10 Programs That Pay

Yes, you can really get paid to install solar panels. Talk about the best of both words – helping to save the planet and also getting paid in the process!

This article explains how it works and the very best ways and companies that help you get paid to install solar panels.

 

Making Money Installing Solar Panels

Energy and finding energy sources have always been a constant quest.

We have evolved and continue to progress from fire, coal, steam, oil, natural gas, electricity, wind, and fracking.

We have always looked to our planet to provide for our energy needs. Now, more than ever, we continue to look for new sources.

In looking for these new sources, we are now looking beyond our plant heavenward. We are now harnessing the power of the sun.

There are four critical reasons why developing solar panels is paramount to meeting our energy needs today.

1. The first reason is that harnessing the sun’s energy will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Additionally, by tapping other energy sources, it will reduce our dependence on fossil fuel.
3. It would appear also that use of solar energy and the installation of solar panels will help to reduce our energy bills.
4. Finally, to encourage consumers to pursue the use of solar panels, the government is offering hefty tax credits and rebates.

 

13 Ways and Government Programs that Pay to Install Solar Panels

 

1. Solar Money for Solar Power

When a homeowner installs solar paneling, there is an immediate payoff.

This means that the homeowner will see a significant reduction in their energy bill for the month.

Typically, when a homeowner installs solar paneling they choose a loan vehicle that requires zero money down.

Therefore, the immediate energy savings plus no out-of-pocket expenses help the homeowner to begin down that road of energy savings.

This equates to more money for the household.

Generally, a utility company will charge an individual for their consumption of energy based on specific hours within the day.

Additionally, a typical energy company will charge the consumer a certain amount per kilowatt-hour when certain energy usage is utilized.

When that first level is realized then it goes to the next tier and more money is charged per kilowatt-hour and on it goes up the scale.

Utilizing solar panel paneling will help to control one’s energy usage and therefore reduce the amount per kilowatt-hour.

 

2. Long-Term Savings

There are also long-term savings realized when solar paneling is installed.

Specifically, like everything else, inflation and the cost of living have a tendency to increase the prices of every consumable product that we utilize.

Using energy is no different as we experience a rise in gasoline prices, electricity, natural gas, oil, etc.

Therefore, in the long term for the homeowner, the solar panels will help to minimize those costs of living and inflation increases over the long term.

This could be significant long-term savings for the homeowner as they are able to reduce or stabilize their electricity costs.

Also, installing solar panels is considered an asset and even with the taking out of a loan to install the power grids, it is anticipated that the panels will pay for themselves in roughly 5 to 7 years.

Theoretically, after the solar panel loan has been satisfied the individual would in actuality be receiving free electricity which significantly decreases the expense side of the household budget.

 

3. Home Equity

Another stream of revenue that the homeowner will realize by installing solar panels is an increase in their property value.

Certain studies indicate that the value of a home increases, depending upon where you live, by $12,000 to $16,000.

The next obvious question would be if my home value increases what does that do to my property taxes?

Of course, the answer is dependent upon the state in which you live.

California recognizes that adding solar panels to one’s residential home does in fact increase the value of the home.

However, California offers an exemption as it relates to an increase in property taxes because of this value-added energy equipment installed.

Also See: How to Get Paid to Stay in Haunted Houses.

 

4. Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credit

The federal government wants to encourage homeowners to move towards installing solar panels to reduce the strain placed on the current energy grid and produce green energy to reduce greenhouse emissions.

Therefore, to encourage homeowners to move in this direction, the federal government offered a Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit.

This meant that the taxpayer who installed solar panels could reduce their taxes owed to the government by 30%.

This robust tax credit was set to expire in 2016 but subsequently has been renewed.

As of this date that extension has continued with the current reduction in taxes being set at 26%.

It is important to check with your tax advisor or other professionals to ensure that this tax credit is still available.

Click here to check out this Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credit

 

5. State Governments

Another tax credit that may be available to a homeowner when they install solar panels is a state incentive. Some of the current states include California and New York.

Like their federal government counterpart, there is a percentage that can be applied as a tax credit to reduce an individual homeowner’s tax liability.

Also, depending upon one’s state of residency, the state government may allow for the property owner to completely deduct this home improvement asset from their property taxes in its entirety.

 

6. Net Metering

The current electrical system utilizing solar panels in the United States is known as net metering.

While in some countries, if more energy is produced by the resident’s solar panel system, they have the option of selling that excess energy back to the utility company.

This is not the case in America. However, this net metering system allows for one’s electricity costs to be reduced to zero dollars per statement.

The selling back of energy to the utility company is not allowed in America at this point in time.

For the individual resident owning a solar panel system, it is important to remember that there are associated maintenance fees required when connecting to the overall power grid in their community.

This amount, typically $100 per year, is collected by the electricity company in one’s community to offset staffing, maintenance, and repair needs.

If in fact, more energy is produced through the individual’s solar panel system, these fees may be reduced accordingly.

Also See: How to Make Money Staying in Hotels as a Hotel Tester.

 

7. Solar Ready Vets

The U. S. Department of Energy has initiated a program called the Solar Ready Vets Initiative.

This program is directly geared towards training active-duty military personnel prior to their being discharged from the military and sent back to civilian life.

This is a 5 to 6-week course that trains these soon-to-be veterans about the solar industry.

The ultimate purpose is to train a new workforce of qualified solar panel installation experts.

Click here to check out the Solar Ready Vets program

 

8. Solar Training Network

This network of partners was initiated by The Solar Foundation.

The mission and goal of this network are to facilitate greater interaction between business owners of solar companies, educational institutions that train solar panel experts, current trainees, and those seeking a career in the solar panel industry.

Click here to check out this Solar Training Network

 

 

9. Training for Women

A gender-specific training program is offered to women known as GRID Alternatives.

This 501(c) (3) nonprofit is headquartered in Oakland California and has eight additional offices located in other states.

Their mission and vision are to see a world in which renewable energy is promoted and benefits the quality of life for everyone.

Their scope of service is both in the United States and on the international world stage.

Their practical involvement in communities is to help facilitate no-cost solar panel installations on individuals who qualify as low-income households.

Additionally, they are committed to training a workforce. This workforce consists of underrepresented individuals within the solar panel industry.

Of particular interest is GRID’s commitment to training women to have a productive employment occupation in the solar panel industry.

Click here to check out the GRID Alternatives

 

10. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD has identified certain geographical areas of the country that can be considered as low-income.

HUD works with homeowners in these areas to assist them in taking advantage of renewable energy options to reduce the homeowner’s energy costs.

One of those identified systems of saving energy is the installation of solar panels. Funds are made available and disbursed through the Housing Recovery Act.

These individual grants, if awarded, need to be expended within two years. Any monies remaining can be utilized for ongoing maintenance.

Of course, by taking advantage of such grants, the individual will realize monthly savings in their energy costs.

Also See: How to Manage Worrying about Money or Fear Of Money even if you Live in a Tent.

 

11. U.S. Department of Energy

Funding is offered to the Native American population through an arm of the U.S. Department of Energy.

The Office of Indian Energy Policy offers financial support and encourages local tribes to utilize technology and promote green energy.

Native American governments are encouraged to make an application, install solar paneling and upgrade facilities to efficiently manage energy consumption.

As part of the energy emphasis on tribal land is the encouragement to develop the capacity to store energy.

These modifications will spill over into the finances of individual tribal members of the Native American community by reducing individual costs associated with the overhead of these facilities.

Click here to check out the U.S. Department of Energy

Also See: Elderly Companion Jobs that Pay You to Hang with Elderly.

 

12. U.S. Department of Agriculture

Available to the important agricultural community are green energy grants to help farmers and small country businesses to obtain energy-efficient systems such as solar paneling.

The grants available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, known as the Rural Energy for America Program, can be utilized to provide upkeep for existing systems or to install new ones.

The pre-requisite of obtaining a grant is that the individual must show proof that they can pay at least 75% of the project that is being undertaken.

This certainly would be an indirect payment to agricultural and rural businesses due to the savings that would be realized in the reduction of energy consumption.

 

13. Solar Rebates

By logging on to Unboundsolar.com an individual can find out what sort of additional rebates may be available to receive rebates for the installation of solar panels.

Some of these rebates are given by the state, local utility companies, cities, and a variety of other sources.

 

Getting Paid to Install Solar Panels FAQs

 

How Much Do People Who Install Solar Panels Get Paid?

The average pay of a solar panel installer, Photovoltaic Installer, ranges anywhere from $35,000 to $45,000 annually.

Of course, the salary for a solar panel installer will vary from state to state and city to city in each of the individual states.

 

What About Insurance Costs for Installed Solar Panels?

Many insurance companies consider the installation of solar paneling to be part of the home.

Therefore, home coverage by an insurance company will include insurance coverage for the solar panels.

Consequently, a need for an add-on or rider wouldn’t change your insurance plan nor necessitate an increase in a homeowner’s insurance plan.

 

You Can Do It

Solar paneling is an option for consideration in regards to producing and potentially meeting the energy needs of America.

The consideration and potential installation of solar panels can not only preserve the environment globally but has the potential of preserving one’s finances from skyrocketing energy costs.

There are certainly enough financial incentives for the realization of these panels to being part of the energy lifestyle of individuals.

 

Conclusion

There is no denying that energy is critical to all aspects of an individual’s life.

Therefore, the quest for new, possibly cheaper, and more environmentally friendly energy sources is the constant quest.

One of those possibilities is through greater use of solar panels.

Therefore, we are endeavoring to be more considerate of our planet and its inhabitants by looking to the heavens for power.