How Much Do Solar Panels Cost on a House?
If you’re considering installing solar panels for your home, you’re probably wondering about the cost. With so many factors to consider, it can be confusing to determine how much you’ll need to spend to make the switch to solar energy. But don’t panic!
This ultimate guide will give you a clear understanding of the cost of solar panels for your home
Table of Contents:
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AIS Solar – Your Turnkey Solar Installation Partner
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Solar Is More Efficient Than Ever Before
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What’s Included In a Solar Installation with AIS Solar?
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Solar Fun Facts
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How Much Can You Save?
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DIY vs Professional Installation – Which is More Cost-Effective?
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FAQ
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Conclusion
AIS Solar – Your Turnkey Solar Installation Partner
From the initial installation to maintenance costs, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision. We’ll also explore the financial benefits of switching to solar energy, such as tax credits and energy savings. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the cost of solar panels and why they’re a smart investment for your home and the environment. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of solar energy!
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How Much Is The Cost Of Solar On Average?
If you are looking into a solar panel installation, that means you’ve probably heard that adding solar energy can lower your electric bill. But you still want to know how much solar panels cost, and more specifically how much they will cost for your home. Because every homeowner’s needs are different, so too are the costs. The price of solar will depend on several factors, including your current power usage, how much you want your solar panels to offset your total electric bill, and the direction your home faces, to name three. Solar is not a one-size-fits-all option.
Two families could be living in the same size house, yet their power needs can be drastically different. That’s why power companies don’t charge you for how large your home is — they charge for how much power you use. Solar works similarly. While the average-sized solar panel system installation may be approximately 6,000 watts, that number will depend on how much you want your solar panels to offset your current energy use. That’s a number you get to decide, and that will determine your solar panel cost.
Factors that Impact the Cost of Solar Panels
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The cost of solar panels for your home depends on several factors. The size of your home, your energy needs, and the amount of sunlight your region receives all impact the cost of solar panels. The more energy your home requires, the more solar panels you’ll need to install, which can increase the overall cost.
The type of solar panels you choose can also impact the cost. There are two main types of solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient and have a longer lifespan, but they’re also more expensive. Polycrystalline panels are less efficient and have a shorter lifespan, but they’re also more affordable.
The cost of installation is another factor to consider. Professional installation can be more expensive than a DIY installation, but it usually comes with a warranty and ensures that the panels are installed correctly. Additionally, a professional installation can ensure that your home complies with local building codes and regulations.
Size Matters
With AIS Solar we review your home and energy usage to customize your home solar panel solution. With a customized system built with your needs in mind you can maximize your savings and focus on being excited about your new solar energy system and going green.
If you take advantage of our $0 down loan program it is even easier to get solar on your home and start saving money.
Key Takeaway: Make sure you work with a licensed, experienced solar installation provider who can design, build, and maintain the right size solar panel system for your home energy needs.
Solar Is More Efficient Than Ever Before
The efficiency of solar has reached 21-22%. With the newest technology it’s more than enough to supply your power needs. The increased panel efficiency means it’s never been a better time to go solar than now!
Consider that the typical home gets an annual average of 4-5 hours of peak sunlight per day. Each square meter of solar panels is thus exposed to 4-5 kWh of solar energy a day. With 20% efficiency, each square meter captures, converts, and delivers 0.8 to 1 kWh of energy to your house.
The average home in the U.S. uses about 30kWh of electricity each day. You only need 30-38 square meters of panels to generate enough energy for this ideal home. This works out to about 300-400 square feet, which is about one-sixth of the size of an average home. With more efficient panels you need less equipment to meet your energy needs, bringing the cost of your new home solar panel system down lower than ever before.
Key Takeaway: The advancement of more efficient solar panels translates into reduced equipment requirements to fulfill your energy demands, resulting in unprecedented cost reduction for your newly installed residential solar panel system.
What’s Included In a Solar Installation with AIS Solar?
An AIS Solar quote provides you with an all-in price of your solar panel installation. It may be helpful for you to know what that price includes.
First, we look at your energy usage and what percentage of it you want to offset with solar energy.
This will help us determine the size of your solar system array, as well as whether you choose a rooftop or a ground-mounted solar system.
Once you find the perfect solar energy system to match your energy needs, our team will start working on designing the system, filing permits, and getting set up for installation.
We take care of all these intricacies, so you don’t have to worry about anything other than enjoying your solar savings.
Lastly, we’ll arrange the solar system installation date.
When this day comes, you can be confident that our team will take care of everything. By the time we’re done with your installation and clean up afterward, it will look and feel like we were never there. The only thing you’ll be enjoying are those new solar panels on your property.
Going Solar Vs. Your Current Bill
Our designers take your energy usage, sun exposure, and installation method into account to maximize the energy your solar system will produce vs the cost of the system. Your new solar system cost and adjusted power bill from the solar energy generated will be equal to or less than what you’re paying now.
And you’re savings only increase with time as the cost of energy from your power company continues to increase with rate hikes. This means you are locking in the cost of your power with your solar system protecting you from rate hikes in the future.
Solar Fun Facts
The price of oil and natural gas is very volatile, but even when the prices go down, utility companies still raise their rates. And, fossil fuels won’t last forever, and the more these resources are depleted, the higher the costs will be for them.
Conversely, solar energy costs are going down. In fact, solar panel installation costs have dropped more than 70 percent since 2010. As solar panel installation prices continue to drop, and electric rates from your utility company continue to rise, solar energy seems like a no-brainer.
Fun Fact #1
In 2018, a new solar project was installed in the U.S. every 100 seconds.
Fun Fact #2
Solar power offsets more than 76 million metric tons of CO2 – the equivalent of taking 16.2 million vehicles off the roads or planting almost 2 billion trees.
Fun Fact #3
There are now more than 2 million solar installations in the U.S. – with an expected 4 million by 2023.
How Much Can You Save?
When you see solar panels on your neighbor’s house, you probably wonder how much he/she is actually saving as a result of adding solar power.
How much you save will, of course, depend on where you live. There are so many variables that determine how much the utilities in different cities and states charge for electricity. Also, various states get different amounts of peak sunshine. But even those living in a cloudy region can produce enough solar power to power their homes adequately.
Another significant factor is the different incentives offered and net-metering programs available in different localities, which will impact your savings. That’s what makes solar a great alternative.
Additional Cost Savers
Many local and federal incentive programs are available such as the 30% federal tax credit. You can use these programs to increase the savings on your home solar panel system, bringing your cost to go green down even further.
What Is Net Metering?
During the day when your home solar panel system generates the most energy, the excess unused energy can be sent back to the grid earning you credits on your power bill. During the evening and night hours when you’re system may have trouble generating your needed electricity, you use those credits to offset your power usage.
DIY vs Professional Installation – Which is More Cost-Effective?
One question many homeowners ask is whether DIY installation is more cost-effective than professional installation. While DIY installation can save you money on installation costs, it’s important to consider the risks involved. Installing solar panels on your roof can be dangerous, and if you don’t have experience with electrical work, you could be putting yourself at risk of injury.
Additionally, a professional installation comes with a warranty and ensures that the panels are installed correctly. If you install the panels yourself and something goes wrong, you’ll be responsible for fixing the problem.
Choosing the Right Solar Panel Provider
When it comes to choosing a solar panel provider, it’s important to do your research. Look for a provider with experience and a good reputation. Make sure they’re licensed and insured, and check their reviews online. Additionally, ask for references and contact those references to get an idea of their experience with the provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panel Costs
How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves?
The payback period for solar panels varies depending on several factors, including the cost of installation and the amount of energy your home requires. On average, solar panels pay for themselves in 6-10 years.
Can I install solar panels myself?
While it’s possible to install solar panels yourself, it’s not recommended. Installing solar panels can be dangerous, and if you don’t have experience with electrical work, you could be putting yourself at risk of injury.
Are there any tax incentives for solar panel installation?
Yes, both the federal government and many states offer tax incentives for solar panel installation. These incentives can help reduce the overall cost of installation.
Conclusion
Installing solar panels for your home can be a smart investment that saves you money on your energy bills and reduces your carbon footprint. However, it’s important to understand the costs associated with solar panel installation before making a decision. By considering the factors that impact the cost, exploring financing options and tax incentives, and choosing the right solar panel provider, you can make an informed decision about whether solar panels are right for you. With the information provided in this guide, you should have a comprehensive understanding of the cost of solar panels and why they’re a smart investment for your home and the environment.