Hiring A Contractor Solar Panels System Costs Further Explored
One important advantage of installing solar panels on your rooftop, is the availability of the generous 26% federal solar investment tax credits that were recently extended through the end of December 31st, 2022.
Therefore, for years 2021 through 2022, whatever amount you spend on the installation of a PV solar system, you can get a rebate of 26% off the full amount . You will need to apply through the government first, but the savings of thousands of dollars are very likely well worth it.
Next is the realization that youll be generating clean home electricity, while also saving thousands of dollars per year on your home electricity costs.
So, essentially theres a cost per watt factor that needs to be calculated and then determined by you, the homeowner, to ensure it is worth your time and money. Chances are it is, and the latest information is that the costs of solar panels continue to decline, while their efficiency keeps improving.
If basing decisions on the information from even 5 years ago, it may lead you to think it is too unaffordable. Yet, what hasnt changed is that a typical residential solar panel system will save 30% to 70% off your utility bills when fully implemented.
Walking you through all the considerations is challenging to do in short order. Fortunately, the information at Center for Sustainable Energy, SunPower.com , and EnergySage.com , does this quite nicely.
Some key factors and considerations with professional installation include:
Offsetting Solar Panel Costs
Another big driver of solar’s growth are the federal and state-specific solar programs deployed to provide financial assistance for solar installations. These programs include local and federal tax credits and other rebates. Top solar companies should be able to help you identify and apply to any programs you are eligible for. These incentives have proven effective in areas like the Northeast, which may not be known for their sunshine but have made the benefits of solar available to a wide demographic.
The current federal solar investment tax credit provides a 26% credit for systems installed through the end of 2022. State incentives can be added on top of this for even more savings. Rather than cutting down the initial cost of solar, most statewide incentives focus more on rewarding you for the solar energy that your home produces to accelerate your ROI. You can learn more about your state’s incentives by searching the DSIRE database.
A Solar Panel System With Battery: Components And Function
For every PV system with a battery storage, there are generally 4 primary components. The solar panel, which weve described already. A controller, which is what regulates the amount of electricity in the system, but particularly to the battery.
You didnt think the power was directly feeding the needs of the home 24 hours a day, did you? No, but if an energy storage battery is in place, then the solar electricity generated by your system can be stored for later use.
The last primary component is the inverter. Energy stored in a battery or coming directly from the panels requires conversion from DC electrical current to AC, in order to power most modern conveniences. Thats what the inverter is for. The two examples of popular inverter brands are SolarEdge and Enphase.
Its helpful to understand there are essentially two types of systems you would install for a home: off-grid and on-grid. Off-grid is perhaps what most who are new to solar power conceive a system to be.
It means all power generated from the PV system will be used solely to power the structure it is connected to. Whereas on-grid systems feed to the local utility provider, and then back to the home in a metered process.
Each of the two methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Because storing energy inevitably leads to wasted energy, it is usually far more cost effective for a homeowner to go with a grid-tied system.
Read Also: How To Design Solar Power System
Yes You Can Afford To Go Solar
It’s the number one question everyone asks when considering solar panel installation: “How much do solar panels cost?”
The good news is that the cost to install solar electric panels on your home has seen a sharp decline over the past decade. A handful of factors determine the final price of a PV system, including its size, component options and configuration, labor costs, local permitting costs and available incentives and tax credits.
From 2010 to 2020, the cost of rooftop solar panels dropped 64%, thanks to greater efficiencies in solar technology, and a reduction in hardware costs. While long-term trends are on the decline, the residential solar industry is not immune from supply chain issues and pandemic-related market volatility. The escalated price and scarcity of raw materials, as well as elevated shipping costs, have increased the price of rooftop solar over the past several months a trend that is expected to continue in the first half of 2022 before leveling out. Experts agree that the price spikes are temporary and that well see the cost of solar return to its downward trajectory after these shortages and delays are resolved.
While solar prices have continued to decrease, in recent years, theyve done so at a slower pace and the cost has essentially stabilized. This means theres no better time to install solar panels on your home.
How The Installation Process Works
The solar installation process is quite simple. The process might be different for other solar installers but for us there are four basic steps involved:
1. Free Appraisal after a quick phone call and some number crunching, you will be provided a very high-level ballpark estimate remotely, based off satellite imagery in the area.
We ask that you provide your address, and kWh consumption as well as some general information on your goals and what you hope to achieve and when you hope to achieve it.
Those last two points are extremely important to us everyone has different goals and we want to really make sure we are taking care of your exact needs.
Although estimates can be given remotely,visiting the site is prudent prior to installation. During a site appraisal, your existing electrical infrastructure will be inspected noting any upgrades that may be required. Similarly, your trusses and/or shingles may be inspected to ensure that a solar power system is viable on your home.
If your trusses, membranes or general structure are not in perfect condition, a Professional Engineer will be called to verify the structural integrity of the building.
2. Proposal we will then draw up a detailed proposal for you.
3. Construction Most solar panel installations can be completed in just one to two days.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Solar Powered Generator
Solar Roof Replacement Cost: A Simple Breakdown For Homeowners
Solar power continues to grow as people and homeowners find more sustainable ways to live to help the environment and save money on energy costs over time. One of those ways people are living sustainably is by installing solar roof panels.
Solar roof panels can power your entire home without the reliance on the electrical power grid. This can save you a lot of money over time, depending on your location and usage. Google has created a fun tool called Project Sunroof that allows you to plug in your address and determine how much money you could save switching to solar power, plus a customized solar analysis including estimated cost.
If you find that you could make back the money you pay for the installation of solar panels over time, then youll want to start looking into companies and the cost to replace your roof with solar panels. This post should help you get a ballpark idea of what that solar roof cost may be.
Additional Solar Panel System Costs
There are a few things youll want to add to your solar energy systems total cost to get the most accurate price estimate. Here are a few additional factors that will impact how much your solar panels will cost:
- Labor costs Local labor costs for solar installation will change depending on your area and the average costs solar installers charge in your area.
- Installing solar mounts The costs to install the racks that hold your residential solar panels will effect cost as well. There are a few options for solar mounting.
- Installing solar inverters A solar inverter will need to be installed to transform direct current power from the panels into the alternating current you can use in your home
- Other costs: There may also be costs for any local permit fees, inspection fees, and taxes on the solar panels.
With the fall in solar panel prices, these soft solar panel costs now constitute the bulk of what you pay when you install solar for your home.
Fortunately, as more people adopt solar power, soft costs have fallen as a resulta trend thats very likely to continue in the future. An analysis by the federal governments National Renewable Energy Laboratory discovered that installed prices have fallen at an average annual rate of 13% to 18%.
Always make sure to speak with a local solar professional to get a more accurate estimate of what your installation will cost.
Read Also: How Much Are Solar Panels For A House In Texas
How Much Do You Save With Solar Panels
You can cut down on your electricity bills with the use of solar panels. The electricity that you use when your panels are active is entirely free, and it can result in annual savings of £160-£430. Of course, the specifications of every household are necessary in order to be precise in the estimation.
Overall, how much you can save with solar panels will depend on a few factors:
- Your household electricity consumption
- If you use your appliances during the day when your panels are active
- How efficient your type of solar panel is
- If you generate an income from solar panel funding schemes
You can increase the savings on your bills by using your appliances during the day, when your solar panels are active. Those small changes can result in big savings on the energy bill.
In addition, how efficient your solar panels are will also play a part in how much you can save. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient , while polycrystalline panels are less efficient . The more efficient your system is, the more electricity it can generate in a given time.
Six Things To Consider Before Buying Solar Panels
Before buying solar panels, make sure:
Don’t Miss: Where Are Sunpower Solar Panels Made
What Is The Best Way To Finance Solar For My Home
Heres a universally true fact about purchasing solar panels buying them cash always results in maximum savings. In other words, a cash purchase of solar panels provides a much shorter payback period than leased panels.
That being said, a cash purchase might not be a feasible option for many customers. Fortunately, a third option exists which combines the advantages of both cash purchase and a lease, while addressing the limitations of both a bank loan.
Solar panels can be purchased with a loan, reducing upfront payment while increasing payback by just a small amount. In some locations, you can also benefit from provincial clean energy financing programs that offer loans at low interest rates. Some banks or financial institutions also offer the same throughout the country.
There is no general rule as to which is the best way to buy solar panels, but the preference should always be to purchase cash, followed by a bank loan, and lastly a lease.
Don’t Assume You’ll Always Recoup The Cost Of Solar Panels On Your Home’s Value If You Sell Your House Early
Some people assume that a more efficient home generating its own energy would be more attractive to buyers. But others worry that ‘ugly’ panels plastered all over their roof could push the price of their house down.
Solar panels are a hefty investment and might not be suited to those planning to move in the next few years certainly you shouldn’t expect a big upfront investment to be immediately reflected by a jump in your home’s value.
Trade body Solar Energy UK recently published a report which found homeowners who move having had panels installed would claw back some of the value of their investment in a higher sale price. It looked at more than five million property transactions and said a typical home with solar panels could increase in price by at least £1,800.
When we asked NAEA Propertymark for an overview, it was more cagey. It said: “Having such sustainable technologies will become more attractive for homeowners in the future. There are benefits to having solar panels however, in the short term, they don’t provide an increase in house value, with the panels often costing more than they attribute in value. With houses coming on to the market in short supply and other factors, people are being forced to compromise on their preferences, including energy saving measures.”
Also Check: Where To Buy Md Solar Sciences
Solar Panel Costs In : National Pricing For Solar Panel Systems
On average, a 10 kilowatt solar panel installation costs $20,424 after taking into account the federal solar tax credit . Generally, solar panels will cost between $15,000 and $25,000.
What is the average cost range for a solar installation? For a 10 kW solar panel installation in the United States, quotesrange from $17,612 to $23,236 after taking into account the federal solar tax credit .
Tesla Solar Roof Availability
Don’t expect Tesla solar roof tiles to be available any time soon.
You may have heard all the hoo-ha about Teslas solar roof tiles over in the US, but nobodys sure when the first UK installations are going to happen.
They were expected to begin in mid-2018, but Tesla seems to have encountered a few mysterious issues. The people who put down their £800 deposits back in 2017 are still twiddling their thumbs, sitting patiently.
Elon Musk tweeted in Spring 2019 that Teslas solar roofs will reach the UK in summer 2019, but it’s now 2021 and nothing’s happened yet, except Musk admitting that Tesla has made significant mistakes that have led to spiralling costs for the company and extended delays for customers.
Interested in standard solar panels? Check out our page on solar panel costs. We also have a guide to the best solar panels on the market, so you can make sure you get top quality kit for your money.
It can be quite daunting trying to do the research yourself where do you even start when trying to find the perfect set of panels? If you want to speed up the process, find out how much solar panels will cost you by using our comparison tool. Simply answer the question below to get started!
Also Check: How Much Power Does A 300 Watt Solar Panel Produce
What Are Solar Shingles And How Do They Work
Solar power shingles, also known as photovoltaic shingles, are solar panels that mimic the appearance and function of conventional roofing materials like asphalt or slate, while performing their core task of generating electricity.
Technically called BIPV , solar roof shingles present a unique and increasingly popular renewable energy solution. Studies backed by the Department of Energy in recent years have shown that solar roofing features such as solar shingles can boost the value of your home by as much as $15,000 or even more.
Different Ways To Replace Your Roof With Solar Panels
If youre already considering re-roofing might as well looking into solar shingles or building photovoltaics .
Offered by companies like Tesla and Certainteed, solar shingles replace the roofing material, so youre literally replacing your roof with solar panels.
While it may seem like youre getting a free roof with solar panels, this isnt the case since solar singles have a high price tag in comparison to other rooftop solar panels.
Well be discussing different companies that manufacture shingles, along with their general pros and cons.
See Related: Best Solar Charge Controllers
You May Like: How To Check Solar Panel
The Solar Tax Credit: Solars Best Incentive
The best incentive for going solar in the country is the federal solar tax credit, or the investment tax credit . This incentive allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing solar panels from your federal taxes, and theres no cap on its value. For example, a 10 kW system priced at the national average comes out to $27,600. However, with the ITC, youd be able to deduct 26 percent of that cost, or $7,176, from your taxes. This essentially reduces the cost of your system to the $20,424 price tag we highlighted at the beginning of this article.
