Did you know that solar panels can save you more than $1300 a year? By switching to solar, you can reduce your carbon footprint and your electricity bills.
If you’ve been thinking about installing a solar panel system in your home, you’re probably wondering about the costs associated. From installation to maintenance, there are a few things you need to know. Keep reading to learn the true cost of roof solar panels.
Number of Panels You Need
The first step in determining solar panel cost is to figure out how many solar panels your home needs. The amount of energy you typically use will guide you in choosing a number of solar panels. If you’re trying to eliminate your electric bill, the solar panels must produce all the energy you need.
On average, homeowners need about 25 to 35 solar panels to achieve complete energy independence. To estimate how much energy you need, you can look at your electric bill and find your average kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage. One solar panel typically creates one kWh per day, so once you have your average usage, you can figure out how many solar panels you need.
Each solar panel costs roughly $200 to $300. That does not take installation costs into account. By determining how much energy you want to produce with solar, you can calculate how many panels you need and what they’ll cost.
Solar Panel Installation Costs
On average, the price to install solar panels in the U.S. is $12,000 after federal tax incentives. This price includes the panels, installation, and labor costs. Prices vary depending on your location, home size, the build of your roof, and the type of solar panels you choose.
Solar energy companies, like Blue Raven Solar, install the panels and provide warranties. Be sure to choose a company that will guarantee their work and the actual panels.
Solar Panel Maintenance Costs
After installation, there are minimal costs associated with maintaining solar panels. The average cost of routine solar panel maintenance is about $400 a year. This includes the cost of cleaning and an annual inspection.
It’s recommended to have your solar panel system cleaned once or twice a year to ensure you’re getting the most energy production out of them. The annual inspection will tip you off to any major problems or damage that your system has undergone.
Other than routine cleaning and inspections, the only other costs associated with maintenance are if damage occurs. Some common problems you may run into are broken glass, cracked panels, a broken inverter, or branches obstructing the panels. If your system is still under warranty, repair costs will be covered. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
Cost of Roof Solar Panels, Explained
Now that you know all about the cost of roof solar panels, are you ready to switch to solar energy? With some upfront costs and minimal maintenance costs, your house can be energy independent in no time!
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