There’s no doubt that solar energy is beneficial to your home, your finances, and the planet, which is why switching to solar is growing in popularity across the US. But the one thing that stops many Americans from purchasing a solar energy system is the cost of the panels and of installation. And while these things can be expensive, there are incentives available that can help offset the cost of a system – not to mention that you’ll save a ton of money on utilities in the long run!
But let’s take a look at why solar energy systems are initially expensive, what factors contribute to their cost, and break down exactly what you’ll be getting when you switch.
The Factors That Affect Cost
So what determines the price of a solar energy system, and why do some of them cost so much initially? For one thing, solar energy systems are intricate and include a lot of hardware. They are made up of a number of solar panels, which in turn are made of solar cells that capture the sun’s rays and convert them into energy; in addition, there is an inverter, as well as mounting hardware that attaches your panels to your roof or property.
In addition, the installation of the panels plays a big role in how much a solar energy system costs. Part of the price of installation goes toward paying the specialized and highly trained solar installers.
You will also be paying for the interconnection of your system, or the process of connecting your solar energy system to the community power grid. Each local utility has specific requirements that must be followed, and some of these could impact the type of meter you need, or whether transformer upgrades are required. The interconnection cost is different for each project, depending on how much solar energy is already in use in your area, the age and strength of the equipment on your line, and the size of the solar array itself.
Finally, the size of the system your home or business needs, as well as its wattage, will also affect the price. Not only do more panels mean a more expensive system, but the more wattage your panels have, the higher their efficiency, and the greater the cost.
Find An Affordable Solar Panel System
Now is a great time to look into a solar energy system, because not only will you start saving money on your energy bills immediately, but you will also be able to take advantage of the full solar tax credit (it is set to decrease next year, and disappear the year after). Access to solar energy is expanding in the United States, and there is no better time to get in on this growth! Taking advantage of all of the incentives available now will mean you’ll get a return on your investment as quickly as possible, which will eventually lead to decades of free solar energy.
It can take a lot of work to find the right solar company and the right solar power system for you, but our highly trained agents can make things easy for you. We work with the top-rated companies in the country and can compare all solar plans in your area to find the best one available. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar on our homepage, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-290-3112.