solar panel cos

In the past 8 years, the amazing cost-benefit ratio of solar panel systems has made them a logical choice for energy-minded households and businesses alike. In 2010, avg. cost-per-watt of a solar setup was $9, per NREL’s findings – that same figure came down to $3/watt in 2017 due to decade’s technological advancements in panel manufacturing, growing competition in the marketplace, and reduced cost of the photovoltaic devices themselves.

When it comes to solar panels, the total expense is impacted by multiple elements such as the system size, installer, geographical location, and the type of panels chosen. An average 5-kilowatt (kW) system – adequate for a standard house – is priced near $12,500 after federal tax deductions are taken into account. A 10-kilowatt system usually costs about $25,000 in total.

Opting for a solar panel system could enable homeowners to save substantially on their upfront costs, thanks to the generous 30% tax credit provided by the federal government. Furthermore, various states also have unique financial perks for those investing in solar technology, including but not limited to: rebates, tax credits, and other advantages.

With most solar panel systems coming with a 20-25 year warranty, you can be sure that they’ll last for quite some time. Generally speaking, maintenance on the panels is low cost and the electricity they produce won’t cost you a dime. All factors considered, investing in solar power typically has a profitable return-on-investment period of 4-8 years.

In just seven years, the amount spent on solar energy panels has decreased dramatically according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). From 2010’s $9-per-watt to 2017’s $3-per-watt, the savings are too great to pass up for households and companies encouraged to reduce power costs. This drop in what is paid stems from a trifecta of reasons, such as advances in production methods, heightened competition in the market, and waning costs of photovoltaic cells.

The spending needed to install a solar panel setup at a residence isn’t always the same due to many aspects driving the cost. For example, how large a system is required, the kind of panels chosen, who installs it and where it is being put together. On average, a standard home usually requires a 5-kW system which would generally cost around $12,500 after all federal tax discounts. If more power is needed, the expenditure for a 10 kW system is estimated to be approximately $25,000.

Federal funding of up to 30% of the cost of solar panel system installation is available to taxpayers in the form of a tax credit. Furthermore, many states have incentives that can reduce the expenses associated with going solar in the way of rebates, tax credits, and other financial perks.

With a typical warranty of two decades to a quarter of a century, but an expected lifespan transcending that, which is supported by minimal upkeep expenses – solar panels offer an attractive return on investment within the timespan of four to eight years due to the free electricity that is yielded.

A solar panel system is an exceptional option for those who want to trim their energy-related expenses, owing to its steadily dropping initial expense and quick ROI. Moreover, when paired with federal and state incentives, the cost of installing these panels closely rivals that of other conventional sources of power.

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