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Home Improvement Projects: How Much Are Solar Panels
On average, adding solar panels can boost your home’s value by almost $10,000. Of course, how much you’ll get depends a bit on where you live, among other factors.
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If you’ve been thinking about installing solar panels, you’ve probably thought a lot about the benefits. One thing has you concerned, though.
How much are solar panels? You want to be sure you’re getting your money’s worth out of this eco-friendly technology.
This guide has the answers you’re looking for. You’ll learn about the average cost of installation, factors that affect pricing, and more.
How Much Are Solar Panels on Average?
The US average for solar panel systems is just under three dollars per watt. Of course, this cost depends on many different factors.
The good news is that the average cost of solar panels has fallen over recent years. The current average represents a price reduction of around four percent.
Why are prices coming down? There are a few reasons. One is that the technology is improving.
Solar panels are now easier to manufacture, and their capacity is also improving. Another factor is the increased demand. This has led to more companies offering solar panel installation.
That means there’s increasing competition between solar companies. This is driving prices down, making solar more affordable for Americans.
What Factors Affect Solar Panel Cost?
Solar panel costs can vary from the national average. How much a system will actually cost you depends on a wide variety of factors.
The first thing to consider is what state you’re in. The average cost of system installation changes between states. In Arizona, for example, you’ll pay less than the national average.
By contrast, if you install solar in New York or Massachusetts, you may pay more than the national average.
Where you live may also affect the size of the system you need. That’s due to the issue of sunshine hours. Some states get many more hours of sunshine every year than others.
This can affect how many solar panels you’ll need to power your home. If you live in a state with lots of sunshine, you may not need a very large system. If you live in Seattle, you may need a larger system to convert the sunshine you do get more effectively.
Another issue is storage. If you want to store any of the energy you convert, you’ll need to add system storage. That can increase your costs.
How much power you need to run your home is another consideration. If you have a very large home or a power-intensive lifestyle, you may need a larger system. A smaller house normally uses less power.
Finally, your costs can also be affected by factors like the size of your roof and the quality of the solar panels you choose. Higher quality panels generally cost more.
What Supports Are There for Solar?
Many state governments have introduced programs to encourage residents to switch to solar. This is another reason the average cost of solar has been falling.
It’s also another reason the average solar installation cost can vary by state. You may qualify for different tax credits and incentives depending on where you live.
California, for example, has more than 100 policies and incentives for renewable energy. West Virginia, on the other hand, has just 10.
There may also be federal incentives you can take advantage of.
In some places, you can also get the benefit of selling excess electricity back to the grid. While this doesn’t reduce the upfront cost of your system, it can help you recoup the costs.
Keep in mind that incentives may change. If your state currently has a good program, then now might be the right time to take advantage of it.
Other Factors to Keep in Mind
You’ll also want to pay attention to a few other factors. These include:
- The cost of labor in your area
- The cost of permits and inspection
- The average cost of solar panels
- Electricity costs in your area
All these factors can affect how much your system installation will cost.
How Much Will Solar Cost?
So, how much will a solar installation cost you? As you can see, the cost is impacted by many different factors. That can make it more difficult to estimate exactly how much you’ll pay.
On average, though, you can expect to pay between $11,000 and $14,000 for a 6kW system. These prices also reflect deductions from tax incentives and other programs.
Now you might wonder if installing solar is really worth it. Depending on where you live, solar will only increase the value of your home around $10,000.
Don’t forget that solar panels can save you money. Since you’re generating your own power, you’ll see your electricity bill fall. Electricity prices will keep climbing, so you may end up saving even more.
You may also be able to earn money by selling extra energy to the grid. So your new solar panels could earn you money, save you money, and add value to your home.
That’s not too bad as far as home improvement projects go.
Choosing a Great Solar Company
If you’re convinced installing solar is a good choice for you, then your next step is to research solar panel installation companies near you.
You’ll want to think about value as you shop for a provider. Some companies will offer low prices, but they may be using cheap panels or do the work improperly.
Cheap panels aren’t the right choice. They’re usually less efficient, which means you actually need a larger system to generate the same amount of power. They’re also more likely to malfunction and need replacement before their higher-quality cousins.
You’ll also want to make sure you trust the team you choose to install your system. Talk to them about previous projects, and look up online reviews.
The good news is there are plenty of trustworthy companies out there. Their teams will do a great job, and you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of solar power for decades to come.
Home Improvement is Simple
You asked, “How much are solar panels?” and now you have a good idea. Installing solar panels is a great investment in your home.
Wondering how landscaping and gardening can improve your home’s value and curb appeal? Check out our tips for more great ideas!
About the Author Laura Bennett
Hello, I’m Laura Bennett. I love nature especially when it comes to flowers and different kinds of plants. I started a very small garden behind my house and I named it Humid Garden. So, I created this blog to provide aspiring and inspiring thoughts about gardening for gardeners and anyone who has the intention of keeping a garden.
