How Much Do Solar Panels Cost Installed

Edmonton Solar Rebateslower The Cost Of Solar Panels

There is currently a tax incentive program for residents of Edmonton that you can take advantage of to help you save up to $4,000 on the cost of installing solar panels in Edmonton. The Change Homes for Climate Solar Program for the City of Edmonton Residents can offer you a rebate of $0.15/Watt up to a maximum of $4,000.

There are also special rebates and programs for adding solar to your farm, and for indigenous peoples. Keep your eye out for more rebates and incentives to get the most out of your solar energy system. They can change year-to-year and could help significantly reduce your costs. For more solar incentive info, visit our Edmonton solar incentives page.

Solar Costs Over Time Continue To Fall

A solar panel system hasnt always been $2.76/W. As recently as five years ago, the cost of solar panels was almost 20 percent higher than it is now:

Prices will likely continue to fall even more in the future. The solar industry is still young, and theres plenty of innovation still to come. As manufacturing and installation processes mature and become even more efficient, solar shoppers will hopefully start to see some of those cost savings impacting their sticker price for solar.

Nations Top Residential Solar Panel Manufacturers

You probably hear a lot about Tesla being one of the frontrunners for all things solar and electric. This is definitely true, but many other companies have been installing solar panels on residential homes for years. Well focus on the top three leading companies for this purpose. The biggest residential solar installers in the U.S. are:

Honorable mentions include Seraphim Solar, Solar Electric America, SolarTech Universal, SolSunTech, SunPower, and SunSpark. A whole of sun puns in those names, huh? We love to see it! Now, lets get into how much it actually costs to install solar panels on your home.

Recommended Reading: How Much Is Electricity With Solar Panels

The Price Of Small Solar Panels

Small solar panels are a great option for those who do not want to take up an enormous amount of space or who perhaps have a limited space to work with. They cost less than traditional, larger panels.

Here are the facts about small solar panels.

• They typically cost between $50$300 per panel depending on their efficiency and power output capacity.
• They take up much less space than traditional solar panels.
• They offer a perfect solution for those who have limited space to work with.
• They are an excellent choice for meeting the energy requirements of workshops, sheds, and vehicles.
• They are very convenient for establishing independent solar systems for smaller buildings so that you do not have to take up any space on the roof of your main property.

It is important to remember when working with small solar panels that what you gain in physical space, you are going to lose in overall efficiency and power output due to their smaller size.

You will need to perform your calculations very carefully in order to ensure that you are able to meet your household energy requirements through the use of small solar panels if this is how you intend to use them.

Small panels can be a great option if you are planning to mount your panels onto a shed or other small building. Because space is limited in these locations, it can prove more feasible to use smaller panels.

Residential Solar Panels Vs Commercial

Residential solar panels are slightly different from commercial solar panels owing to the fact that residential panels are often called upon for slightly less demanding work.

Here are the main differences between residential vs commercial solar panels.

• Commercial solar panels are larger than residential solar panels. They are usually 78 by 39 inches and have a total of 96 cells compared to 65 inches by 39 inches and 72 cells for residential panels.
• Commercial solar panels are roughly 2% more efficient than residential solar panels due to their larger size. This means that a system that consists exclusively of commercial solar panels will be capable of producing more energy.
• It is significantly faster to install residential solar panels, taking an average of two days. On balance, commercial solar installation usually takes around a month as the size of commercial systems is larger and there is considerably more red tape to cut .
• Though it is not a rule, commercial panels are typically white whereas residential panels are often black. Customers can request either color based on their preferences, however.

Despite these solar panel varieties being designated for use in different sectors, it is completely possible and sometimes even more viable for a person to request commercial solar panels for installation on their home.

You May Like: What Metals Are Used In Solar Panels

The Residential Solar Tax Credit

Different states have their own solar tax credits as well. These tax credits allow you to deduct from your state income tax. For example, in Arizona you can obtain a tax credit of 25% from your solar panel system costs up to $1000. This will be taken directly off your personal income tax. Additionally, you will also be exempted from paying tax on any solar installation or equipment in Arizona.

How Much Will Solar Panels Cost To Install On Your Specific Home In 2021

The cost to install solar panels on your specific home in December 2021 will vary depending on your location, your energy usage, the brands of equipment chosen, and whether it is a DIY installation or a job done by a professional solar company.

Since more than 95% of homeowners choose to go with a reputable local solar company, our solar calculator below shows estimates for professionally-installed systems in your area.

Find out how much a solar system would cost for your specific home

*Based on 350-watt panels

Also Check: How To Start A Sole Proprietorship In Minnesota

Average Cost Of Solar Panels In Georgia: What To Expect

If you live in the Peach State and are looking to switch to renewable energy, you may be wondering about the cost of solar panels in Georgia. In this article, well break down average prices of solar panel installations in the state to help you decide whether this type of clean energy is worth it for your home.

The numbers youll see below are averages, but solar energy system costs can fluctuate greatly depending on things like the type of equipment you choose to install and your household energy use. If you want a better idea of how much it would cost to install solar panels on your home, you can use this tool or fill out the form below for a more detailed quote.

Solar Panel Monthly Cost

If you purchase your solar panel system, they have no ongoing monthly costs. However, if you do not want to purchase the system upfront, you have the option of leasing your panels monthly. This costs between $50 and $250 a month, depending on the system size. It is only advisable if your electric bill is considerably higher than these figures to offset your monthly energy costs. Otherwise, you may find that purchasing gives you a better overall return on your investment.

Solar power might appear expensive, but you are paying for power anyway. The difference is after several year with solar your system is paid for. After several years of paying your electric bill, month after month, with power costs going up year after year, the only thing you have earned is the right to continuing doing it for the rest of your life.

Don’t Miss: How Does Power Home Solar Work

What Determines The Cost Of Solar Panels In Georgia

As mentioned, average solar prices in Georgia are useful as a starting point, but the actual cost of your system can vary. The energy consumption profile of your home is a key factor that determines how many solar panels you need, as homes with high electricity demands will need larger systems, which are more expensive.

The cost of going solar also depends on the equipment brands used, the company providing the installation service, and how you decide to pay for the system. Additional features like solar batteries and energy management systems also increase the total cost of your solar installation. For example, you can expect to pay an additional $10,000 to $15,000 if you add a home battery to your solar panel system.

Is There A Tax Credit For Solar Panels In 2022

Yes, there is a tax credit for solar panels in 2022. Owners of both residential and commercial solar systems are eligible for a 26% federal tax credit. This means you can get a tax credit of $260 for every $1,000 invested in a solar power system. Georgia does not have a state tax credit, but the 26% federal tax credit is available everywhere in the U.S.

Read Also: How Much Solar Power Can 1 Acre Produce

How Much Will The Whole Installation Cost Me

While it can be useful to know the price per solar panel, the real price comes from the entire solar power system and the installation. We are not a DIY-focused site, so for this cost analysis we are going to focus solely on installation costs through a certified solar installer.

Beyond just the cost of solar panels, there are many costs that go into a full-scale solar installation on your home. Here is a quick breakdown of all the costs that go into an installation:

• 25% Solar Panels
• 45% Operational Costs

We will do a future post with a full breakdown of these costs, but what is the actual cost of a solar power installation on your home?

Lets start by looking at the average installation. The average installation on an American home is a 5 kilowatt system. For 2020, the average cost per watt of solar systems in the US is $2.96 cents.

So lets do the math! If we multiply 5,000 watts by $2.96, we get $14,800.

But wait, dont forget about the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit! With this credit , you save 26% of your total solar installation cost through a tax credit. When we take this 30% credit out of $14,800, we arrive at $10,952.

The average cost of the average solar system in the United States is approximately $10,592 after available tax credits.

Interested in Going Solar?

Solar customers save $36.44 per month on average and reap the benefits of massive return on investment.

We connect you with the best, lowest cost installers in your area.

What Do You Need Before Installing A Solar Panel

There are a few boxes that will need to be checked off before you can install solar panels, some of which may carry additional fees. These areas must all be addressed prior to solar panel installation.

• Residents association approval In some areas, the homeowners association must give you permission to proceed with the installation. You may need to become a member of the residents association yourself in order to gain approval, which may carry a small membership fee.
• Respect the established customs of neighborliness and agreement If your solar system is in breach of these rules, you may face issues that then lead to its removal or alteration. This could cost you anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
• Electrical and building permits There are certain changes to existing buildings that require approval by your local government. You must obtain permits before any work can commence. This is likely to cost in the region of several hundred dollars.
• Certified solar system units Since the community will most likely connect to the local power source, you should use certified solar system types to ensure that your panels will not negatively affect the local power grid or cause the power lines to malfunction during installation. If you opt to use a different type of unit, this could lead to you having to replace all of your components or, even worse, completely removing your solar system. This could cost thousands of dollars in expenses.

Don’t Miss: How Do My Solar Panels Work

Why Your Solar Panels Should Be Placed At A 3045

Again, this one is about maximum sun access. Not only do your panels need to face south, but they also need to be positioned at a 3045-degree tilt angle in order to absorb as many potential incoming photon rays from the sun as possible.

The winning combination of a south-facing 3045-degree tilted panel will always guarantee that you are using your investment to its maximum capacity.

What Are The Most Efficient Solar Panels

Remember that the adage, You get what you pay for, applies to home solar technology. Not all solar systems are alike. The quality of the technology matters in the long run. The durability, reliability and efficiency of solar panels can vary widely by manufacturer. If you settle for a conventional home solar system that might cost less out-of-pocket, you can expect to see average results and less savings over time. Watch these videos about the lifespan of SunPower® solar panels and their durability and reliability.

In short, SunPower panels are the most efficient home solar panels you can buy.* A higher quality panel like SunPowers might cost a little more upfront, but youll see a higherand quickerreturn on your investment in the long run. Our panels come with a 25-year Complete Confidence warranty and have an expected useful life of 40 years.* And since theyre more efficient than other panels on the market, youll need fewer of them on your roof. Our panels produce up to 55% more energy in the same space over 25-years than conventional panels,* ultimately saving you more money on your electric bill.

Industry measurements such as the Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems PV Durability Initiative can give you a better idea of a solar panels expected lifespana factor that can have a tremendous impact on the systems lifetime value.

Don’t Miss: How Much Can Solar Power Generate

How To Really Tell What Solar Would Cost For Your Home

The best way to get a good idea of what solar would cost for your home, regardless of size, is to reach out to trusted solar installers and get competitive quotes. While a quote from Paradise Energy Solutions is always obligation-free, and our solar consultants wont take a pushy, high-pressure sales approach, we understand you may not be ready to take that step.

While we may not be able to give you a good idea of the cost of solar panels for your home based on size, you can get a general idea based on how much electricity you use.

Can Solar Panels Boost The Value Of My Property

One question many homeowners ask in regards to solar panels is how they impact property value. This can be seen as another way in which solar panels are a worthwhile investment.

Its been found across the U.S. that adding solar panels to a property will usually increase the value of your home by approximately 4%. For many homes, this can cover a large portion of the installation costs by itself.

This value can also increase in certain areas where eco-friendly homes are more popular with buyers. When combining this fact with the money saved on energy costs, solar panels are proven to be an economically viable and environmentally friendly solution for American homeowners.

Recommended Reading: Are Sole Proprietors Required To Have Workers Comp

Is Solar Right For You

Although choosing solar is a big commitment, it can be life-changing. The best way to determine if solar is a good choice for you is to review your electricity bill and cost per watt. If you are spending more than $200 per month then you are a great candidate for solar. Next, you can evaluate your homes sunlight exposure.

When there is more sun, it means more opportunity to produce energy. In states like Arizona and California, there is more sunlight per day. This equals the ability to maximize your solar potential. You can also look into the type of roof you have, amount of shade, and direction towards the sun.

Why Solar System Prices Arent Determined By Home Size

An appropriate solar system for one 1,000-square-foot home may be very different from another 1,000-square-foot home. Here are a few reasons why.

Electricity Usage

While its often true that larger homes mean larger electric bills, it isnt always the case. Electric bills vary, even among houses that are the same size and design.

Lets look at an example. House A is a 1,000-square-foot home with electric heat and two people who work from home. They love to play video games and watch TV, and they run the dishwasher or laundry at least once a day.

Then, theres House B. This one is similar in size and design, however, it is home to just one person who travels to an office for work each day. House B has gas heat, and the homeowner partakes in outdoor activities as opposed to being inside.

Both House A and B are looking to go solar, but the system each house would need is very different because House A uses more electricity than House B.

In most instances, the best size solar system for homeowners is one that produces enough electricity to fully cover what they use. A smaller system may have a longer payback. A larger system may be prohibited by the utility.

So really, a better way to ask that question is to grab your electric bill, find out what you pay on an average month, and ask how much do solar panels cost for a $200 electric bill. For that answer, scroll down to the next section.

The Roof Space and Material

The Roofs Orientation and Local Weather

Read Also: How To Hook Up Solar Panels To Your Home