Everything you need to know about solar panels for your home. Are they worth it?
Solar panels can be an excellent investment for your home. Not only will you nearly eliminate your electricity bill, but you’ll also be in a clean and green house! The powerful motivation of homeowners installing solar panels has already seen more than 2 million people make the switch. In August 2021, SolarSystems.review saw 60,000 requests for quotes on residential solar systems, making this the busiest day ever!
Solar is growing in popularity as it can be more cost-effective depending on where you live, what your utility company charges for electricity, and how much energy your home consumes.
In order to start the Solar Panels for Home Beginners Guide, we wanted to share a tool that can help you determine the economics of solar based on your zip code and the current electric bill.
How much will solar panels for a home cost in the future?
The average cost of a residential solar panel installation today is between $12,390 and $15,960 after claiming the 30% federal solar tax credit. This means an average of less than $3 per watt is installed, which is 70% cheaper than had solar just 10 years ago.
Table 1: Average cost of solar panels according to size in 2022
| System size | Number of solar panels* | Average cost per watt | Average total cost (after tax credit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | 11 | $3.25 | $9,100 |
| 6 kW | 16 | $2.95 | $12,390 |
| 8 kW | 22 | $2.85 | $15,960 |
| 10 kW | 27 | $2.75 | $20,350 |
| 12 kW | 32 | $2.75 | $23,100 |
| 14 kW | 39 | $2.60 | $25,480 |
| 16 kW | 43 | $2.60 | $29,120 |
Solar panels are almost maintenance free, so they are usually a one-time investment. Solar prices have leveled out over the last couple years and we don’t foresee any big changes coming as we head in to 2023.
Help me figure out the cost of solar panels for my home with my location and energy use.
“How much would solar panels cost me?” It’s not a good question as your house can’t be considered average. What you really want to know is how much it costs to install them at an average location with the specific needs of your house (e.g. amount of power). This article discusses this topic in detail.
You can try out the SolarReviews savings estimator and get an idea of what your solar panels will cost and save with the help of our sophisticated tool. Just put in your local weather, your utility rates and compare costs from some local solar companies.
For $12,000, it can be difficult to save and make monthly payments on a solar installation. Luckily, there are various financing options available! With zero-down options like solar loans and leases you can start saving the moment your panels are installed. We recommend solar loans over leases because you keep the solar tax credits.
With a solar lease, the leasing company gains the tax credits and your buyer will need to take over the solar lease if you sell the home. With a solar loan, you gain ownership of the system and so this is not necessary.
If you’re new to solar, we’ve compiled a list of key words for you!
If you’re considering installing solar panels, the outlook is pretty good.
Yeah, before you invest in installing a solar panel system for your house, it’s important to think about these factors. The solar calculator below will help you work out if solar panels are right for your home. You can also find info on local pricing & savings, as well as any special tax incentives available near you.
What are solar panels and how do they work?
In a nutshell, sunlight hits the solar panels and shakes up electrons in cells within them. This creates an electric current that is then sent to the system’s inverter. An inverter converts electricity into usable power that can power all of your home appliances, like lights and refrigerators.
Solar battery packs are becoming more common on solar panel systems. They store extra energy that the panels produce. However, not all solar panels are installed with these batteries. Most solar panel systems are not optimized to work with a battery storage system in their design because they have traditionally been prohibitively expensive. But, technology has come a long way, and battery storage systems are much more affordable these days.
A solar PV system only requires some initial set-up and occasional maintenance when it’s first installed, after which the homeowner can detach themselves from the process. The panels run off of a series of solar cells in order to produce electricity – yet another perk for consumers looking to attain that sustainability mindset. Interested in technicalities? You may want to go here for a detailed breakdown on how solar panels work.
There are different solar system types for your home.
Until now, most solar panels that have been installed on homes were simple grid-tied systems because these have been the cheapest kind until now. AI writers are affordable to invest in and start-up. They do not work when the grid is down, so they don’t provide backup power.
More and more people are now considering adding solar batteries to their solar system so that if the electric grid is down, they have backup power. Residential solar systems with battery backup, that are also connected to the utility grid, are called
There is a third option, but for most people this type of solar system isn’t worth investing in unless they live in a more remote region. The reason for this is that it is more expensive than the other types of solar systems available.
Solar panels are a good investment since they save on expenses & reduce your monthly electricity bills.
Yes, solar panels can save you money. They actually tend to save well over $50,000 during their lifetime. If you have solar panels installed at home, they will typically pay themselves off after four to eight years. With net metering, in most cases you can offset the cost of a solar installation with the amount of energy you produce over its working life.
If you want to save money on electric bills and eliminate your worries about how much electricity costs, solar is the best choice for you. As time passes, the rate of electric cost inflation will continue to go up and up. Solar panels are a wise investment in the future. As electric rates continue to skyrocket, solar panels act as insurance against these high electricity costs.
It does sound too good to be true, but you shouldn’t worry as solar energy is not a scam. Another reason why solar panels offer such great savings is because of net metering, a utility program that most states have. This makes it possible for you to sell the excess solar electricity your panels produce back to the utility company.
It’s essential to know that not all Net Metering policies are created equal, and many utilities are fighting to limit net metering programs if they haven’t done so already. Solar is one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to lower your electric bill. Installing solar panels now will guarantee you net metering for the next ten years, protecting your investment and any savings with no risk.
Do solar panels work when the power goes out?
People think that solar panels will keep their lights going the very next time the power goes out. But unless you add battery storage (a hybrid system), they won’t.
Solar systems automatically go offline during an outage, to keep utility workers safe.
Solar panels functioning by themselves can’t power a home for very long, but you can use them to help generate electricity during power outages. If that battery storage is efficient and well-designed, you might be able to run many basic appliances in the dark.
What are solar batteries? How much do they cost?
When you think about the cost of solar vs. your utility bill, it’s a no-brainer to make the switch. When we’re talking about backup power for emergency situations, solar batteries are often the best option of all.
One of the most common complaints from people when it comes to investing in solar panels is how expensive they are. The price tag will depend on the size, but can range from $10,000 to $15,000. However, there are rebates in a number of states that can help you save on the cost of adding batteries to your solar system. It is also worth noting that the 30% federal tax credit will reduce the cost of batteries significantly.
With a high price tag, it’s easy to see why solar batteries have been out of the reach of homeowners up until now. Thankfully, that’s changing and more people are able to afford them than ever before. Bargain prices paired with ever-increasing concerns over power cuts mean that this household item has never been more popular. Around 70% of people that use our website to request quotes from local solar companies ask for battery storage. This number is up from less than 50% two years ago. Blackouts are becoming more common throughout the U.S., so it’s really no surprise that demand for this energy saving modification has been on the rise!
In the future, more people are going to be using solar battery technology. This will take off as utilities move away from net metering. Some people choose to install solar panels to generate their own electricity. They are often paid a fixed rate for the amount of power they use themselves but will lose out if the excess electricity is generated during times when the grid is well supplied and prices may be lower. Your solar energy is still going to be worth its full potential even if your utility doesn’t offer a great net metering program. That’s because you can store the extra energy in a affordable battery that you purchased earlier when rates were lower instead of supplying funds for big rate hikes.
How long does it take to install home solar panels?
Solar installations usually take 1-3 days and can be complicated work, but it’s just a stepping stone on the way to going solar.
Getting solar installed can take between 2-3 months from the point you sign a contract with an installer to the moment your system is turned on. Solar permits & utility approvals are a lot of the holdup for new installations. Depending on where you live, this could add months to the installation process.
The good news is that there are many solar companies that want homeowners to be able to start saving as soon as possible by reducing the lengthy permitting process. This should be done so that homeowners can save with the sun sooner than they might have before.
Are there solar incentives or tax credits available?
The one of the biggest solar incentives is a federal tax credit, which provides homeowners with a rebate of up to 26% for their solar array installation.
The 30% tax credit is only good until the end of 2032, after which it drops to 26%. The 26% credit then falls again, down to 22%, in 2034. The tax credit expires completely in 2035 for residential solar installations.
U.S. homeowners who install new solar panels on their roof will receive the highest possible solar tax credit as of 1 January 2023. This credit then gradually drops each year and expires at 1 January 2024. For this reason, homeowners should act now and go solar before the end of 2022 to ensure a lifetime of savings.
There are various solar incentives depending on where you live. Some of these can even be applied to battery storage! It’s important to note however, that the duration of state tax credits might not last as long as that of the federal credit. The best way to save money with solar is to get quotes for your project as soon as possible. This ensures you grab rebates and incentives which will help you save big in the long run. You can get a better idea of how much these are worth by comparing your location’s programs with our solar savings estimator tool on the website
How many solar panels do you need to power a home?
One of the most frequent questions we get is “How many panels do I need?” It’s not a very helpful question and trying to answer it actually makes things more difficult. The exact number of panels will vary based on the specific brand and model you choose.
The more relevant question is, “What size solar panel system do I need?” Solar systems are measured in watts (W) and kilowatts (kW). The kW rating reflects the maximum generation of the system installed. A typical system in 2022 is around 8 kW. In 2022, individual solar panels are around 370 watts, which means on average people install about 22 panels per house.
To know how many solar panels you need, you should use the solar panel cost calculator here.
For the detailed answer on solar sizing, take a look at our article:
Is a DIY solar installation a good idea?
Even though you can install solar panels in your house yourself, it may not be the best idea. DIY installations have been popular since solar panels have become more accessible, which is great because they save money on labor costs. You can even find some DIY kits online that cost as low as $8,000.
On the other hand, there are some significant downfalls to this option: It’s an expensive proposition that includes the hassle of getting permits yourself and risk of injury from working high on a roof. You might also be breaching your warranty terms and not qualifying for any benefits if you use an AI writer.
To go with a professional solar installer will save you some hassle in the long run, but installing it yourself may save you money in the short term.
How do you find the right solar installer?
The best way to find the right solar installer for you is to get a couple solar quotes. This will let you see each installation company’s style and might even give you a few discounts!
That’s not to say big installers are bad, but they’re less likely to provide the personal attention during your solar panel installation that you’re going to need for the long run.
Basing your selection on the company’s experience is imperative. Local, family-owned installation companies tend to be more reliable and provide a higher level of customer service. Feel free to flip through our online database of solar installers. You can read what people have had to say about them and decide which one is right for you.
Are solar panels worth it for your home?
Solar panels are almost always a worthwhile investment as long as you meet the right conditions. For example, if there’s a strong net-metering policy and local solar incentives, it will probably make more sense to go renewable.
Grease monkey boneyard online want to talk about solar panels. We examined why they are a good idea, and some caveats that go along with putting them on your property.
When it comes to environmentally friendly options, solar energy is one of the most popular choices. It’s no surprise, then, that many people want to use solar panels.
If you want to be eligible for net metering and the 30% tax credit before they’re gone, it’s time to go solar. Plus, your solar panels will generate energy sooner which means you’ll start seeing savings on your bill right away – without the hassle of leasing, waiting for PGE to do it, or any of that other nonsense.
Installing solar panels is not only going to save you money on your electric bill and have a positive impact on the environment, but it’s also going to give you more independence.
Although battery storage doesn’t make sense financially in every location just yet, as we see more and more states eliminating net metering blackouts becoming more common, they will start adopting storage along with solar panels.
The best way to know if solar is right for you is to use our solar calculator. This tool calculates the specific cost and savings for your home so you get an accurate idea of whether or not it’s worth it.
