Commercial Solar Panel Costs
Since May 2014, Solar Choice has been publishing commercial-scale solar PV system prices for each of Australias capital cities across a range of popular system sizes. The data we use comes from our installer network database, which consists of about 150 reputable solar installation companies around the country. Companies in our network upload their pricing & product information for us to present to our commercial clients in our free & impartial quote comparisons, so that the client can make an informed decision about who to pursue further discussion with.
Our Commercial Solar PV Price Index is published monthly, providing reliable ballpark figures on the going cost of solar panels in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
Solar Choice manages tenders for a wide range of commercial solar projects around Australia. The figures in the tables below are based on data from our extensive network of solar installers, many of which specialise solely in commercial-scale solar projects.
All prices in the tables below include incentives available through the federal Renewable Energy Target as well as GST.
Review Your Electric Bill
Solar panels generate their own power and can therefore greatly offset your monthly electricity bill, if not eliminate it. The higher your bill, the more likely you’ll benefit from switching. But you should note that electricity rates and usage the main charges on your statement are volatile.
“If a utilitys electricity prices fluctuate, so could the amount of savings,” says Garrett Nilsen, deputy director for the U.S. Department of Energy’s solar energy technologies office. “Similarly, if energy consumption changes, the amount of savings can also vary.”
Visit the EIA website to view the most recent prices per state.
What Impacts The Cost Of A Solar Panel Installation
Theres a lot that goes into the sticker price a solar installer charges you for your individual solar panel installation. Solar installations are a unique product: the price you pay is heavily dependent on your unique situation and factors related to your electricity use and property. Here are some of the top factors to keep in mind that can and do influence the cost of solar panels for your property:
Recommended Reading: How Much To Add Solar Panels To House
Getting Accurate Costs For Your Property
We publish the average cost of solar panels however, there may be variances that impact on the cost of a system at your property. We recommend getting three quotes through our website to get accurate quotes on the cost of installing solar panels. Not only will you receive an accurate price of the cost to install, but you will select from three highly reputable companies that will recommend quality components and provide warranties that ensure your system performs as it should.
How Much Energy Do Solar Panels Produce For Your Home
Key points:
- Most residential solar panels on todays market are rated to produce between 250 and 400 watts each per hour.
- Domestic solar panel systems typically have a capacity of between 1 kW and 4 kW.
- A 4 kW solar panel system on an average-sized house in Yorkshire can produce around 2,850 kWh of electricity in a year .
- A solar panels output depends on several factors, including its size, capacity, your location, and weather conditions.
Quick links:
You May Like: How Much Money Will I Save With Solar Panels
Solar Panel Costs By State
Solar panel costs in the U.S. typically include equipment and installation services. Visit the Solar Energy Industries Association website to learn about local incentives and tax credits in your area. Its usually in your best interest to take advantage of state clean energy programs when you can it lowers your upfront costs and shortens your payback period.
| State |
|---|
|
Solar Panel Cost Calculator
As of 2018, the average solar panel system size in the US was 5 kW, carrying an after-tax cost of $10,990. Here are a range of solar panel prices by size.
- 6 kW cost $13,188
Though you can get a rough idea about how much you should expect to pay for your system based on the above information, specific calculations are always best to get your pricings exactly right.
To calculate your exact solar panel requirements based on your electricity consumption, you can do the following.
- Multiply the wattage rating of each individual item you own by the number of hours it is used for each day. For example, a 100-watt bulb might be on for 8 hours per day, yielding 800 watt-hours per day.
- Divide the total number of watt-hours per day for your combined household items by 1,000, which represents 1 kW because a kilowatt is equivalent to 1,000 watts.
- Now multiply this number by 30 to calculate your total energy expenditure per month in kilowatts.
- This will determine the size of the solar panel system that you need to use.
Using the above solar panel cost calculator process will allow you to determine precisely what size solar panel system you require to power your home.
For more extensive information on solar panel cost calculations, refer to our previous guide titled How Many Solar Panels Do I Need? This guide contains comprehensive calculations covering every aspect of solar panels.
Recommended Reading: Why Is Solar So Expensive In The Us
When Are Solar Panels Costs Lowest
Prices vary during the year. For example, between May 2020 and April 2021, prices per kW were highest in April, May and February and lowest between August and October, according to BEIS.
This doesn’t mean that solar panels are always cheaper in the summer though. Spring 2020 prices would have been impacted by Covid-19. In the previous year , the cheapest month was November.
We recommend you get three quotes before you buy, so you have a good idea of the going rate for your installation.
Aim To Cover 100% Of Your Energy Costs
If you perform your solar calculations correctly based on the formula that we shared previously, then there is no reason why you should not be able to cover 100% of your energy costs with your solar system.
Otherwise, you are going to have to spend on grid energy to make up for the missing deficit. This might not be too bad if you are covering 90% of your costs with solar, but any lower than that and this starts to defeat the entire purpose of going solar in the first place.
Provided all of the above steps and considerations have been made and taken, then going solar is definitely worth it for anybody that can afford to do it.
Also Check: How Much Can A Solar Farm Make
Solar Cost Is Lower Than It Has Ever Been
Solar panels are converting more and more of the energy from the sun into electricity for a home than ever before, meaning you need fewer panels to generate the same amount of energy.
The first silicon solar cell, introduced in 1941, was reported to have had less than 1% energy conversion efficiency. Due to the many recent advances in solar cell technology over the past five years, average panel conversion efficiency has increased from 15% to 20%!
The more energy that is converted by a single panel, the fewer panels a home will need.
The average nameplate power output of a standard 72-cell multi-silicon module was around 290 watts in 2010. Today, consumers can expect at least 345 watts, at one-tenth of the 2010 price.
The upshot is that an average-sized residential system has dropped from a pre-incentive price of $40,000 in 2010 to roughly $20,000 today!
Calculating Solar Power Costs
Once the above costs and benefits are determined, a solar system can theoretically be evaluated using the discounted cash flow method. Outflows at the beginning of the project would consist of installation costs , and inflows would arrive later in the form of offset electricity costs .
Rather than using DCF, the viability of solar power is usually evaluated by calculating the levelized cost of electricity , then comparing it to the cost of electricity charged by the local utility. The LCOE for household solar will typically be calculated as cost/kilowatt-hour – the same format commonly used on electricity bills. To approximate the LCOE, one can use the following equation:
LCOE = Net Present Value of the Lifetime Cost of Ownership / Lifetime Energy Output
The useful life of a PV solar module is generally assumed to be 25-40 years. The cost of ownership includes the maintenance costs, which must be discounted to find the NPV. The LCOE can then be compared to the cost of electricity from a utility remember, the relevant price is that which occurs during times at or near peak PV solar production.
Read Also: How To Start A Sole Proprietorship In Ny
Are Solar Panels Cheaper Than Other Forms Of Electricity
The average American home spent $124.47 a month on electricity in 2019, according to current stats. Solar panels may require an upfront investment, but they can save you money over the course of your lifetime by cutting the cost on your electric bill. Considering that electricity is frequently cited as one of the priciest monthly utility expenses, it’s little wonder that solar panel installation is an intriguing proposition for many.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using Solar Panels
- Cut energy bills. Unlike a traditional energy source, using solar panels can reduce energy bills.
- Environmentally friendly. Solar energy is a renewable resource.
- Add value to your home. Another advantage of solar panels, in addition to respect for the environment, is the increase in the value of the home.
Also Check: Is Solar Worth It In Florida
Also Check: How Much Does A 1000 Kw Solar System Cost
Other Benefits Of Solar Power
Solar panels can be very liberating. The more youre able to power your home entirely with solar energy, the less you have to rely on energy suppliers. If you can capture all the power you need from the sun, youll be living a life of electricity independence.
Most importantly, youll avoid the price hikes that suppliers often impose on their customers.
In late 2021, around 15 million UK households were told their annual energy bills would increase by £139 to £1,277 per year, as a result of Ofgem lifting its price cap.
These caps are revised every six months, which means that another increase might not be far away. Remember: the sun never increases its rates.
Additionally, a self-sufficient, solar-powered household will avoid any power cuts that hit the National Grid. Since Brexit took effect in 2020, the UK has narrowly avoided blackouts on multiple occasions, as Bloomberg has reported.
60% of the UK’s imported gas comes from the EU and Norway, and 91% of our imported electricity comes from the EU. Brexit has made the nation more vulnerable to supply shortages.
What Is The Average Cost Of Solar Panels
Solar panels will reduce your overall total costs on power in your lifetime. There are upfront costs to consider.
The good news is that the cost of panels only continues to fall year after year. As technology advances, rates drop, and solar power becomes cheaper to produce.
In order to get a solar panel system, its important to keep in mind that the cost can vary significantly based on various factors: roof type and space, sun exposure, daytime appliances used, monthly electric bill or power consumption, solar panel system size, quality, installation, labor, installation, brand, location or city, etc.
Also Check: What Is Sole Custody Mean
Are Solar Panels Worth It
Solar panels are only going to be worth it if you use them properly. Your solar panel cost will be completely wasted if you do not adhere to the following rules.
- Your solar panels must be south facing.
- Your solar panels must be angled optimally.
- Your solar panels must be placed onto a roof that has been deemed to be completely structurally safe.
- Your solar panels should ideally cover 100% of your energy costs.
It is important to understand that going solar is not a viable option for people who want to make immediate returns on their investment. Instead, it will save you a considerable amount of money over time but only if your panels have been installed properly. We will now look at the above areas in greater detail.
Solaria Sonal Panels Price
Solaria solar panels cost $2.80 a watt. This translates to $14,820 to $18,780 for a 6kW system fully installed. Several factors influence your final installation costs, including location, roof pitch, and inverter type. Solaria specializes in panels that are all black in color, which improves their appearance and aesthetics on your roof. Their panels are also highly efficient and designed to work in many circumstances.
Recommended Reading: What Are Tesla Solar Panels Made Of
Are Batteries Worth It If I Use Consume Most Of My Power At Night
In that case yes, over the long term installing a battery with your rooftop solar system will be worth the extra cost. The biggest misconception about solar is that your electricity bill drops to zero. You need to remember solar only works when the sun is out. At night you pay for all the electricity you consume unless you can store the power with a battery.
Cost Per Installed Watt
As stated, the cost per installed watt is one of just two pieces of information that you need to determine the total cost of your solar system.
Here is the average cost per installed watt broken down by province:
| $2.29-$2.81 |
Its important to note that these numbers represent average costs. Systems can cost more or less than the average depending on the size and the type of equipment used.
As a general rule, a solar system in your province will be priced:
- Higher for premium equipment and installers, or if your required size is below 7.5kW
- Lower for standard equipment and discount installers, or if your required size is above 7.5kW
You May Like: What Can A 300 Watt Solar Panel Power
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.
Why Is Solar So Expensive In Hawaii
Why are Hawaiis electricity prices so high? ? An oceanic state, it happens to be situated right in the middle of the largest ocean in the world. Since grid electricity in Hawaii is so much more expensive than outside the country, solar panels have fundamentally improved in terms of economics, leading to an increased number of people installing solar panels.
Read Also: How Strong Are Solar Panels
Solar Panel Output Per Square Metre
The most popular domestic solar panel system is 4 kW. This has 16 panels, with each one:
- around 1.6 square metres in size
- rated to produce roughly 265 watts of power
To work out the output per square metre, use this formula:
Number of panels x Capacity of solar panel system
Capacity ÷ Total size of system
Example
- 16 panels of 265 W each:
- 16 x 265 = a capacity of 4,240 kW
- Total size of the system
- 4,240 ÷ 6 = 165 W per m2
Make Sure That Your Roof Can Support A Solar System
Never leave this aspect to chance. It is very unlikely that you are going to be able to determine whether your roof is structurally sound enough to be able to support a solar system without some kind of external assessment from a qualified professional.
If you do not get your roof inspected prior to installation, you might find that it then collapses under the weight of the system over time, thus wasting every dollar that you have spent when your system is destroyed in the process.
You May Like: What Is The Tax Rebate For Solar Panels
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost Per Watt
The average price per watt for solar panels ranges from $2.57 to $3.35, and solar panel costs for an average-sized installation in the U.S. usually range from $11,411 to $14,874 after solar tax credits.
Hereof, do you really save money with solar panels?
One of the biggest advantages of installing residential solar panels is a 30% federal tax credit on the total cost of a system. The credit could save the average homeowner $5,000 or more , according to EnergySage, a solar marketplace with a calculator to help estimate savings.
Additionally, how much do solar panels cost for a 2000 square foot house? Installing a solar panel system costs an average of $23,599. Depending on the kind you prefer, you could pay as little as $2,000 or as much as $40,000. However, most homeowners pay between $16,581 and $30,729.
In this regard, how many solar panels do I need for 1500 kWh per month?
If you use 1500 kWh per month, and want to produce 80% of that from solar panels, you’ll need a system that generates 1200 kWh per month. Keep your goal number in mind as we look at the next four factors.
What is the cost of a 300 watt solar panel?
300+ Watt Solar Panels
