Solar panels range across the scale of costs, but there are many factors that could contribute to this. When you understand the factors that affect the overall cost of an individual item, you will be able to plan your specific expenditure around it. Let’s take an in-depth look at what these factors are, and how they might affect the price of your solar energy system.
As demand has grown, the prices have come down considerably. There are even certain incentive programs that allow people to claim a rebate based on the amount of energy their solar power system generates which will obviously lower the overall costs of the solar panels. Whether this rebate allows companies to do the installation at a reduced cost, or whether it takes the form of credits that can be claimed in the form of grid electricity in times of low solar activity, the benefits are undeniable.
How much will my solar panels cost ?
Because different buildings come with different energy demands, you need to remain flexible to the possibility that you will need more panels to generate the power you require than what you might have initially thought. Solar panels do pay off in the long run, but the initial investment will seem rather hefty upfront, before that investment starts paying off in the long run.
This is because there are several costs involved with getting the system going, and it can be as specific as getting the roof onto which the system will be mounted, up to standard, to a variation on the costs of components due to import solar panels costs at the time. Whatever route your journey takes, it is vital that you ensure that you have a full installation, as cutting corners can affect the integrity of your system and end up wasting your money, instead of saving it.
As a rule, it is assumed that you will need about 20-25 panels to generate enough power to offset your utility bill. Of course, the efficiency of the brand you select, as well as the placement of the panels will also contribute to what is generated.
What are the different types of solar panel systems?
As with anything the type of system you decide on will determine the overall solar panels cost of your system. Grid tie systems vary in price from off gird systems, and if you bring energy storage into the mix, the price will be even further altered. There is no need to go over the top with your installation – see what meets your needs and make your decisions accordingly.
If you are only powering a smaller building, there is no need for a full industrial solar panel installation. Conversely, if your building is larger and has a greater power demand, it makes sense to upgrade your panels to heavy usage commercial ones.
Solar power in our modern lives
Residential, commercial, and industrial solar projects that are two years old or less, are eligible for a significant tax rebate. Projects that are started later in this timeline will still be eligible for a rebate, but the value will be less.
Both property owners and companies that install solar power will be glad to find out about this extension which more or less guarantees a tangible drop in the cost of solar panels at least for the near future – definitely over the course of the next year, but hopefully longer!
Experts predict greater efficiency for what you pay for your installation within the next year or two, and tax credits are one of a few great reasons to start generating your own electricity!
How important are solar batteries anyway?
Without solar batteries, you will have no way to store you solar power, and no matter how much energy your panels are capable of generating, with no means of storage, the power they create will simply be lost.
The solar panels on your home will generate the greatest amount of power over midday. This is because at this time, usage is low, and sun shines at its brightest, creating a very fertile environment for energy generation. It stands to reason that, in order to prevent this energy from going wasted, it is better to capture and save the energy than to allow it to wane away with the light at the end of the day.
It need not be complicated – just a straightforward set of solar batteries will save your power and allow you to use it later. Getting off the grid, even partially, has never been easier than this.
Kickbacks are only available for a short period – get moving!
Although at the time of writing, there are several excellent financial incentives that will lower your solar panels costs but many of them are being discontinued or limited as time goes by. It is wise to start the ball rolling on a process such as this, as soon as possible, to ensure that you get the maximum benefits out of what your installation might offer.
Which solar company should I go with?
Although the benefits are major, making the actual switch to solar can involve a bit more technical know-how than you may think. With a new solar system comes a host of related decisions: warranties, components, wiring, mounting, rebates – you name it! Having an industry professional on your side to help you navigate these big decisions, can be a life saver!
If you only follow one piece of solar advice, let it be this: avoid fly-by-night companies, and rather spend a little extra if you must, to secure the services of a reputable solar company in California. Not only will this ensure the safety of your installation, but you will also be investing in experience, industry knowledge and expertise. Companies like NRG Clean Power have been around for long enough to have become a trusted supplier within the industry.
They will ensure that your installation is completed to the highest standards and help guide you through the maze of tax rebates and other kickbacks, that can be confusing to those who don’t understand the full extent of the system. A professional perspective can help you get the maximum benefit from your installation!
Authored by Ryan Douglas
NRG Clean Power's resident writer and solar enthusiast, Ryan Douglas covers all things related to the clean energy industry.
