Almost 4% of US homes use solar energy, and it’s time for your household to do the same. But before you go solar, make sure that the cost of installing panels is within your budget.
If the price is reasonable, you can enjoy an eco-friendly household for years to come. If not, there are lots of ways to make the transition more budget-friendly. Keep reading to learn how much solar panels cost and tips to make them more affordable.
Solar Panels Cost
The average cost of a residential solar system is $2.94 per watt or about $11,000 for a typical home.
Keep in mind that the size of your roof will affect how many panels you need to power your home. The more panels, the more you’ll spend.
The average American needs around 17 to 21 panels. However, the number of panels you’ll require comes down to how much sunshine your part of town gets. Southerners are blessed with more sun, so these states require fewer panels.
You also have to consider how much energy you’re using each month. If you’re the type to have a dozen gadgets running at once, like heaters or washing machines, then you might need more solar panels than the average home.
How to Lower Solar Panel Cost
If you’re looking for affordable solar installs, get multiple quotes from different companies to see who offers the best deal. If there are financing options available, ask about them and see if they would save money.
You should also ask about tax incentives in your state. Some areas offer special discounts on renewable energy products.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
The longevity of your solar panel installation depends on the quality of the panels and your maintenance schedule. Most solar panels will last about 25 years if taken care of properly.
How Long Does It Take To Get Solar Panels Installed?
If you’ve gone with professional solar panel installers, the installation will take a few hours. The exact time will vary depending on the size of your system and how many people are working on it. A small installation could take less than a day, while a large one could take several days.
The installation includes removing your old roofing materials and adding new ones, attaching your solar panels to their mounts, and wiring them to an inverter.
Do Solar Panel Installations Require Permits?
In most areas, securing permits is essential for safe solar panel installation, involving an application to your local building authority and a safety inspection. The process is usually completed within a few weeks. Opting for a solar panel company near you is advantageous as they’re well-versed in regional permitting rules and have experience coordinating with local authorities, ensuring a smoother and faster permit process and compliance with all safety standards.
Benefits of Solar Panels
Using solar panels saves you cash on your monthly energy fees because you’re relying less on your local energy provider.
Switching to solar energy is also a top-notch choice for the environment. There’s no pollution involved in making it happen.
Adding solar panels to your property also raises its resale value since energy-efficient homes are in demand these days.
And you won’t have to worry about too much upkeep. Rely on your installers to put you on a schedule for regular maintenance. Just set the panels up and let them do their thing for about a quarter-century.
Generating your own electricity also means you won’t be without power during blackouts or other sudden energy-related emergencies.
Disadvantages of Solar Panel
One of the biggest downsides of solar panels is that the installation fees can put a huge dent in your wallet. You’ll also need to pay for maintenance and repairs.
Also, bad weather conditions such as clouds, rain, or snow can affect your panel’s efficiency. This means that solar panels may not work well in places with little sunlight.
Installing solar panels requires a lot of space too. This can be a challenge for homeowners who have small roofs or yards.
And although solar panels require little maintenance, they need cleaning every so often to guarantee they’re working effectively. This can take time and be risky for homeowners to handle alone.
Can a House Run 100% On Solar Energy?
If your house is huge and you’re a serious energy sucker, the average solar setup cannot power your entire home. But if you’re in a place with tons of sunshine and don’t use much power, solar panels could totally get the job done.
The average American goes through about 886 kilowatt hours every thirty days, but some states use even more. People living in Texas, for example, can hit 1,176 kWh/month.
Just figure out how much power you need and get a solar panel setup that can handle your requirements if you want energy all year long.
Power Your Home More Efficiently
The average solar panel’s cost has been dropping for years. You can now get started with solar power for less than ever before. And if you’re lucky enough to live in an area where there are generous tax credits, you can reduce your installation fees even more.
But if you need to put off solar energy for a little longer, get inspiration on how to use your electricity more efficiently in our home and garden articles. You’ll also find decor tips, DIY projects, and more.
