Solar Panels Cost


There are various factors to think about when considering solar energy, including how much solar panels cost. Before you can make the most of solar power you will need to find out everything you need to know including price. In addition to the price to purchase the solar panel kit you will also incur installation costs. The exact price can be difficult to determine, but is based on your geographic location, your level of energy usage and how much sunlight your area receives. Solar power is of course dependent on the sun, so it is imperative that your location gets enough before this solution can work for you.

The placement of your solar panels can factor into how much sun they are exposed to. You will need to figure out the best angle for your panels. On average, panels should be south facing and angled anywhere from 15 to 40 degrees. When it comes to your level of energy use, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory or NREL has devised a process to help you figure it out. Take your total monthly kilowatt hours and divide by 30. This will tell you how much power you use per day. From there, divide the number by the number of sun hours your area gets daily. Multiply this number by 1.15 and you are left with the number of KW you need.

The NREL estimates that the average price of installing solar kits ranges between $7 and $9 per watt. You will want to hire a professional contractor to install your kit because many rebates offered by manufacturers require professional installation. Not only can professional installation benefit you financially it ensures your solar panels are installed correctly. When considering the cost, you will need to calculate both parts and labor. In addition to the solar panels you will need inverters which convert the solar power into a form you can use. You will also need hardware, mounts, wires and inspection to get on the grid with your power company. A solar power system could cost as much as $25,000 or even more to install.

You might think solar panels cost too much from this example. However there are certain incentives for using solar power. For example, the federal government allows a $2000 tax break for users of solar power. Also your state may offer a rebate program where you can get back some of your purchasing and installation costs. You can even make money with solar power because your local electric company may purchase your leftover energy. This in turn reduces the amount of your electric bill during those times when you are on the grid so to speak. Even if you start small you can still enjoy some of these perks.



Solar Panels News:

US Rivals Accuse China of Dumping Solar Panels
Chinese solar panel makers flooded the U.S. market with their products at the end of last year in anticipation of potential duties on those products, a coalition of American solar manufacturers said on Wednesday, a charge refuted by some top Chinese companies...


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