How Much Does It Cost To Install Solar Panels
Location
Sunlight
The more sunlight your home gets, the more energy your system will be able to generate. If your goal is to offset your electricity bill, the sunny you location is the less costly it will be to install a system that offsets your energy costs.
State & Local Incentives
There are federal solar tax credits of 26% (Investment Tax Credit - ITC), that can significantly reduce the cost of installation. In addition to the federal tax credits, there are also numerous state and local incentives that can reduce the cost of installation.
Local Market
Costs will vary between local labor costs, job volume, installers and regulations. In order to get the lower cost installation, we always recommend getting multiple quotes to ensure you are getting the best deal.
Size
The size of the solar energy system will depend on the amount of energy you are looking to generate. The more energy the system generates, the more expensive it will be. However, the more energy it generates the more it will be able to reduce the costs of your electric bill. Additionally, the cost of larger systems can be lower because of bulk purchases and spreading out overhead costs across a larger system.
Equipment
Brand
Some manufacturers are more expensive than others. In some instances this may be indicative of quality, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that more expensive panels are better quality.
Type
There are two types of solar panels for residential installation: Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are more energy efficient than Polycrystalline panels, so they are typically more expensive on a per watt basis, but may be a better choice when space is limited for installation.
Installation
Some solar system installations are easier than others. First and foremost, the complexity of the system being installed will affect the price. The more complex the more costly.
In addition to the complexity of the equipment there are three key factors that may impact the cost of your installation:
Roof Shape, Size and Dimensions
More complex roofs, with smaller planes, at various angles and tilts make working on the roof and placing solar panels more difficult. It requires more planning for the measurements of the panels, as well as additional complexity in tying the system together. It may also limit the square footage available to install panels.