How much to install Solar Panels on my Home?
Hello,
I want to install solar panels on my roof. We get PLENTY of sun light here in florida. So we were wondering about how much would it cost to have them installed? are atleast how much for the setup because I have friends that offered to install them there Air Force Electricians so it shouldn’t be a problem. I’m not wanting to run the who house on Solar Power just help cut the bill cost. So could you give me some Ideas?
Some ideas. Hmm, I came across a great site that offers a lot of good information about solar energy and the installation of it, including links to applicable government sites and related sites that offer great grants/tax credits, etc. Check it out, I’m sure it’s worth it:
http://yourhandymanzone.com/Your_Handyman_Zone_How_To_Pages_Home_Improvement_Zone_Alternative_Energy_Systems.htm
A LOT!
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/environment/2009-01-12-solar-panels-glut_N.htm
References :
Comment by Veritas et Aequitas () — July 2, 2009 @ 2:37 am
In the eastern United States, the cost to install solar cells runs about $10/watt including the inverter and metering equipment. The Feds will give you a tax break if you meet certain conditions, as will some states. For this tax break, you *MUST* use a certified installer, by the way.
The link below is to an approved installer in Pennsylvania that my company has used for years and the source of the cost given above.
References :
http://www.solarbygranahan.com/
Comment by Peter W — July 2, 2009 @ 3:07 am
Some ideas. Hmm, I came across a great site that offers a lot of good information about solar energy and the installation of it, including links to applicable government sites and related sites that offer great grants/tax credits, etc. Check it out, I’m sure it’s worth it:
http://yourhandymanzone.com/Your_Handyman_Zone_How_To_Pages_Home_Improvement_Zone_Alternative_Energy_Systems.htm
References :
http://yourhandymanzone.com/Your_Handyman_Zone_How_To_Pages_Home_Improvement_Zone_Alternative_Energy_Systems.htm
Comment by Mark — July 2, 2009 @ 3:49 am
Florida is higher in costs than the surrounding states, because installers charge more to compensate for the state rebate. To get the state rebate, you must use a professional installer. The state rebate is considerable, but underfunded, so people wait a long time to get their money. If you have people skilled on a roof, and with outdoor conduit, you may want to skip the state rebate completely.
I do not believe you need to have a professional installer to get the Federal rebate, though. If you look at form 5695 here http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf , you’ll see there are only minimal requirements. I personally filed 5695 several years ago on a self-install, and there were no complaints. Got the full amount of my tax credit. However, your local jurisdiction will generally require you to meet certain building codes, have permits, and inspections, the same as any other building project.
Oh, and if you’re in Florida, Sun Electric is local to you: http://sunelec.com/
References :
Comment by roderick_young — July 2, 2009 @ 4:26 am
It’ll be over $10K. The return on your investment will be small. However, you can try to do it yourself. Making your own solar power panels helps you save money on your utility bills by ensuring your alternative energy source is renewable and sustainable over the lifespan of the panels. In addition, you are protecting the environment as solar power does not emit harmful gases into the air in the process.
Contrary to general believe, assembling your solar panel is not as hard as it is made out to be and you do not need special technical skills. In fact, the components are easily bought from the local hardware store and the basic materials you need are very easily found toolkit items. The basic materials are namely plywood, salt, copper wire, sandpaper, metal scissors etc are very common and affordable.
References :
Meg Dilts, Editor
http://www.solarpanelshub.com/
Comment by Meg D — July 2, 2009 @ 5:04 am
I have been doing some research into this myself too. I have included a link to sites that indicate how much you need based on your electric usage and where you live.
If you are interested in doing it yourself, I suggest some online books that are interesting.
Also, if you are going to attempt whole house solar, look into solar hot water heaters to take some load off the solar panels needed.
References :
http://www.solarmidnightoil.com/index.cfm?id=1162&fuseaction=browse&pageid=77
http://www.solarmidnightoilblog.com/solar-energy/175-solar-panel-beginners/
http://www.solarmidnightoilblog.com/solar-lights/126-calculating-energy-savings-part-1/
http://www.findsolar.com/index.php?page=rightforme
Comment by bwise — July 2, 2009 @ 5:21 am
It can cost from $500 to over $8,000. You can order discounted solar panels online and install them yourself for the cheapest prices… Here’s a link to help you out, so you can tell if installing yourself would be an option. Paying someone else to do it is e-x-p-e-n-s-i-v-e!
References :
http://www.ehow.com/how_5099692_install-solar-panel.html
Comment by brighteyes — July 2, 2009 @ 6:07 am