Solar Cost - What is the true cost of solar?

Solar Cost

Cost of Home Solar Power... How much will a solar electric system for my home cost? How can I reduce my solar cost? How much space do I need for my solar power system? How much does a solar system weigh? How long will it take to get my solar system up and running? Does the solar cost vary between off grid and grid tie? Does installing a solar power system increase the value of my home? What do I need to do first? What is the true cost of solar compared to utility company electricity (using conventional fuel sources such as gas, oil, coal and nuclear)?

How much will a solar electric system for my home cost?

The Northern California Solar Energy association estimates that $7-$12 per watt (DC) is a ballpark range for an installed solar electric (PV) system before incentives. At this writing (October 2008), the California State solar rebate is $1.90 per watt and there is a federal tax credit for up to $2,000, but if you put your system in use after January 2009 you can take advantage of the new bill that was just passed by the federal government which removes the $2,000 cap and makes you eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the cost of your system, including installation. Plan on at least $13,000 (after incentives) for a standard 2,500 (2.5kW) watt system, which produces approximately 325-375 kWh per month. A 2.5kW system produces 40-80% of the electricity needed for a 1,800 square foot home. Take a look at the tax incentives for your state.

How can I reduce my solar cost?

The easiest way to reduce the cost of your solar power system is by making your home more energy efficient. Sometimes by simply insulating your home and switching to energy efficient appliances and florescent lights, you can cut your power use in half, meaning a smaller, less expensive system is needed. Depending on how much you are willing to change your lifestyle you can reduce the cost of your solar system quite a bit. Anything that uses an electric heating element such as a toaster, electric cook stove or air conditioner uses a huge amount of electricity. Instead, you could use a gas stove, toast your bread on the grill and swamp coolers use less power than air conditioners, being that they utilize evaporation in cooling your home.

How much space do I need for my solar power system?

An average PV system consists of modules that produce approximately 1,000 watts (1k) per one hundred square feet of space. So a standard 2k system needs 200 square feet of unshaded, south or southwest facing space. The direction the system faces and angle at which it tilts can be different but there will be minor losses in productivity.

How much does a solar system weigh?

Figure on 4-6 lbs per square foot of PV panels for standard multi-crystalline modules.

How long will it take to get my solar system up and running?

Due to module supply shortages, plan on at least 12 weeks from the day you sign a contract to the system installation. This can be faster if the modules are on hand, or slower if modules are in short supply or your local permitting authority is slow to grant permits. It helps to flexible about the exact equipment you'll install.

Does the solar cost vary between off grid and grid tie?

Yes, due to different system components the prices varies between off grid and grid tie solar power system.

Does installing a solar power system increase the value of my home?

This is a case-by-case calculation but one general accepted figure is twenty times your 1st-year utility savings. For example a $200 per month power bill for a year is $2,400 multiple this by 20 and you have and the value of your home could potential increase by $48,000

What do I need to do first?

   1. Estimate how much electricity you use, on average, per month. Of the kWh you purchase, how many are billed at Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4 rates by your utility? Those are the kWh you are trying to offset with your PV system (if you’re focused on the economics). Try our solar power calculator: off grid or grid tie.

   2. Do you have the unshaded south facing space on a relatively new roof or other structure?  If you have an old roof, consider installing the PV system in conjunction with a new roof.  For home solar arrays we generally recommend attaching them to the top of a sturdy pole.  This is called a top pole mount. And they are easy to install.  There are also various other options for mounting your panels.

                               
 3. Once you know your average kWh use per month, and have confirmed you have an installation location (pole mounted, shade structures, carports, roofs, etc.), its time to get a quote. Since you will have a long-standing relationship with your vendor (PV systems last 30+ years) your comfort level with the person/company is more important than minor price differences.  Call Wholesale Solar at 1-800-472-1142.

What is the true cost of solar compared to utility company electricity?

Conventional fuel sources—oil, gas, coal, nuclear—have created a huge number of environmental problems. We pay with tax dollars, with higher prices for consumer goods, and with lower quality of life for acid rain, smog, water pollution, overflowing waste disposal dumps, the steady loss of natural resources, global warming and distruction of natural habitats.

Solar technology is allowing us to avoid many of these potential disasters. The silicon from one ton of sand has the potential to produce as much electricity as 500,000 tons of coal. One medium sized solar system will save the earth from 6,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide pollution.