CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Amid rising energy costs, installing solar panels and storage batteries has become a more attractive investment for Southern Utah homeowners and business owners than ever before. Congress recently passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes a tax credit designed to offset the expenses associated with solar energy.

Investing in solar energy is one of the most important decisions a property owner will make. Serving Southern Utah since 2008, HedgeHog Electric & Solar has the knowledge and skill to help customers find the right solutions for their home or business.

“When it comes to a solar energy system, you want electrical experts to be the ones installing it,” sales manager Kirk Navar said. “Being a local installer, we’re aware of what goes into each city’s requirements as far as codes and permits, and we can get things done a lot quicker.”

The new Residential Clean Energy Credit allows homeowners and business owners to subtract 30% of the costs associated with installing solar energy from their federal taxes. There’s no dollar limit on the tax credit, regardless of how much they spend. Any solar energy system installed from Jan. 1, 2022 through Dec. 31, 2032 is eligible.

Eligible expenses include solar panels, storage batteries, all necessary equipment for the operation of the system (wiring, inverters, mounting equipment, etc.), permitting fees, inspection costs, developer fees and labor costs.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 7.5 million more families across America will be able to install solar energy due to the tax credit. The Inflation Reduction Act also offers tax credits for the purchase of electric vehicles and consumer rebates for heat pumps and other energy-efficient home appliances.

The value of a property increases with every investment into energy savings, and more savings happen the longer a solar energy system is installed and operating. If a home or business has enough roof space, HedgeHog can install a system that will offset about 90% of every electricity bill. Instead of a monthly expense that you’re obligated to pay for as long as you own the property, photovoltaic panels produce “free” power whenever the sun is shining.

“You have an electricity generator that belongs to you right on top of your roof,” Navar said. “It’s like having a gas pump in your garage.”

With more than 300 bright, clear days in any given year, Southern Utah is an ideal location for harnessing the power of the sun. Along with tax credits, investing in the long-term savings of solar energy helps property owners lower their electric bills, reduce their dependence on the power grid and shrink their environmental footprint. A solar energy system with storage batteries keeps the lights on in the event of a power outage.

“With the amount of growth we have in St. George, the demand for electricity is increasing greatly,” Navar said. “It’s smart for homeowners to start helping the community by generating their own electricity in the form of solar energy.”

HedgeHog works with city and local government officials to obtain the required permits to install and use solar energy. Installing a solar energy system for residential customers typically takes between 30 and 45 days, allowing homeowners to start enjoying the benefits of renewable energy sooner. 

The future of solar energy is bright with your local partners at HedgeHog. Learn more at HedgeHogElectric.com, or call 866-605-2113 to schedule a consultation. 

Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.

• S P O N S O R E D   C O N T E N T  •

Resources

• HedgeHog Electric & Solar | Telephone: 866-605-2113 | Website.
• Locations:
  • St. George: 230 N. 1680 East, Building T2, Suite 206.
  • Hurricane: 5526 W. 240 North, Suite 4.
  • Cedar City: 888 Sage Drive, Suite 2C.
  • Kanab: 217 E. 300 South, Suite 203.
  • Mesquite, Nevada: 450 Hillside Drive, Suite A203.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.