A solar energy system is one of the easiest and most affordable forms of alternative renewable energy. In the United States, solar energy has many popular brands such as Sunbeam, Enphase, and Worldview. However, solar energy still seems a little pricey for many people. The main question is how much does solar energy cost? How do you find the cost saving solar energy tips you need to save money on solar energy costs? Here are some cost saving solar energy tips:
System size: As mentioned above, there are many types of solar panels. The overall cost will depend on the total number of solar panels that are installed. An average sized solar system installation in the Inland Empire could range from $20k to $ 48k (depending on the system size). To truly understand how much your solar energy system will cost, it’s best to note the various factors that will affect installation cost like:
System size: Solar power is only useful to households or small businesses with less than two hundred thousand square feet of space. If your residence falls in this category, then solar energy may not be the right choice for you. The larger the solar panels, the more you can save on your overall energy bill. This also means less overall energy usage. However, the bigger the solar panels, the higher the cost will be.
Style: Installation styles vary greatly. For instance, flat panels are faster to install but more expensive to operate. However, flat panels are generally more effective at generating electricity and can even save you money in the long run. They also cost less overall to operate. Whichever style you choose, the cost of the solar panel systems will vary largely depending on their efficiency, size and installation method.
Cost Per Kilowatt-hour (CK) of energy: Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy produces little to no pollution. This means that solar energy is a greener alternative. The cost per kilowatt-hour (CK) will vary based on your specific solar modules and equipment. The more solar energy you need, the more expensive the system becomes. But remember, the larger the system, the more it will save you on your energy bill. For example, if you have equipment producing enough electricity to power your entire household for one year, then you’ll save thousands of dollars on your overall cost.
Savings on your electric bills: Even if you generate enough energy to completely eliminate your electric bill, the cost to operate your household electric is still quite high. Installing solar panels will help to lower your costs and save money in the long run. For example, during cold weather, the cost to use heat pumps or solar heat is quite high. But with a solar energy system, you can lower your consumption of electric during those times, thereby lowering your cost.
Increase in value: If you install solar energy panels, not only are you saving money on your initial installation, but the value of your property will increase. As time passes, your house will begin to appreciate in value and will be more valuable than your mortgage. This is a great incentive for people who would like to install solar energy panels but do not have the budget for them right now. In fact, the cost to cover your electric bill with solar energy is a good reason to consider solar panel installation!
In short, solar energy is clean, free, and provides a great return on investment. However, installation cost is what typically drives the cost up. However, with proper planning and know-how, you can find ways to reduce your cost for solar panel installation. These include knowing the right size of solar panels for your needs, making sure that the solar panel is placed in an area that receives plenty of sunlight, and knowing how to install it yourself. With these tips, you can cut the cost of solar panel installation in half without sacrificing quality.
