SOLAR POWER COST[edit | edit source]
Solar power cost has so many variables it’s difficult to quickly and easily put a number on your needs. Yet, the question on everyone’s mind that is even remotely considering solar power is “What is it going to cost?”
Get the Calculator
The first place to start is by putting a number on your current energy consumption. Your energy bill will have your monthly kilowatts used, this is roughly what you will need to produce. I say roughly because you will notice that some months you will use more and other months less. To have solar power supply all your energy needs you need to focus on your highest kilowatt month.
A Step Worth Big Dividends
We are now at the point where you can significantly reduce the cost of your solar installation by reducing your current energy consumption. Get a home energy audit by a professional. This will cost a few hundred dollars and the recommendations and changes you make to your home will save you thousands. Once you have implemented your energy efficiency recommendations, you will notice your energy usage lessen. This is now your starting point to determine how many panels you will need to create enough energy to run your home. Compared to your first calculation, you have just reduced the number of solar panels you need to purchase.
Making the Right Choice
Determining if solar energy is the best option of if combining technologies would be more cost effective is the next step. In areas where sunshine is prevalent and the cost to heat and cool your home is modest, solar energy is the ideal solution. However, if the cost to heat and cool your home is significant, consider combining technologies such as a geothermal heat pump which will heat and cool your home in addition to solar panels. Or if you are in a situation where wind energy is an option, solar and wind make are a good combination.
How many panels you will need depends on the efficiency of the panel, the number of hours of direct sunlight that hits them and how many kilowatts you need to produce. Each solar panel has a different efficiency rating, but what seems like insignificant difference can have an impact when multiplied over a number of panels and the amount of time each panel is operating at maximum efficiency. Choosing the right panel and understanding the differences between manufacturers is homework with a big return. To make it possible for people to transition to solar, some solar companies are offering financing and renting/leasing options.
Free Money
Federal, state and local governments are offering tax incentives and rebates. Utility companies are also offering some rebates. Make sure the product you are interested in qualifies for the most “free money”. In some states, the savings are up to 70% of the cost of the panels.
We’ve talked about how to start evaluating your solar power cost by knowing how much energy you use today, what you need to do to reduce your energy consumption and making sure that solar energy is the most efficient energy solution for your area. You know about choosing the most efficient panel and to check the differences between manufacturers and finally how to grab the most “free money”. What’s left?
Energy Independence
Once your system is installed, all the energy you produce for the next 20-30 years is without additional cost to you. That savings can be applied to the cost of your solar system and you’ll still have some left over. The warranty on solar panels are between 20-30 years, with little or no maintenance except for additional cleaning to maintain maximum efficiency. Your property value will increase and your home will be more marketable if you choose to sell. Because it’s renewable energy, you won’t see an increase in property taxes.
It’s up to you, are you ready to transition to solar power?
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