What is the average cost for home solar panels?
Despite what many people say, you don’t need batteries for a solar system if you are going to also be connected to the electric company (grid). You just need the panels and an inverter (and mounting hardware and safety equipment like breakers and fuses).
Most people don’t generate all of the electricity they use. They offset some of their use with solar and buy the rest from the grid. You can get a very small grid-tied solar system for as little as $3000. However, it won’t generate much electricity at all. I’d say an average size system is around $10k - $20k. Here are some packages that show all of the components needed. http://www.altestore.com/store/Kits-and-Package-Deals/Grid-Tied-Systems/Alt-E-Designed-Grid-Tie-Packages/c1087/
If you want to see how much you need, look at your electric bill and see how many kwh you buy each month. Put that number into a calculator like this one, and see how big of a system you need. http://www.altestore.com/store/calculators/on_grid_calculator/. Installed cost is about $8 per watt of solar panel.
The cost of solar panels varies, and, in many ways, they may be a good investment, but you have to have some patience in order to see this investment return.
Here’s a great, informative site on how to get solar panels for your home:
http://yourhandymanzone.com/Your_Handyman_Zone_How_To_Pages_Home_Improvement_Zone_Alternative_Energy_Systems.htm
Good luck!
References :
http://yourhandymanzone.com/Your_Handyman_Zone_How_To_Pages_Home_Improvement_Zone_Alternative_Energy_Systems.htm
Comment by Three_Kings_Clooney — October 28, 2009 @ 8:16 pm
There really isn’t an average cost, as systems vary widely in size and price.
I’m going to assume your’e talking about electricity, but if you’re talking about hot water, please update your question.
Our system cost $12,000 net, and keeps up with our electric usage. If we had air conditioning, we would probably have to double the size of the system. If we lived in Seattle or Alaska, we’d have to double the size of the system again.
If you had more than a passing curiosity for a ballpark figure, the best thing to do is contract a solar installer near you for a free analysis and quote. That’s the only way to get accurate on your particular house.
References :
Comment by roderick_young — October 28, 2009 @ 8:27 pm
There is no "average cost". It depends on a number of factors such as how much electricity you use each month.
If your interested in fitting your home with solar panels but do not want to pay the outrageous cost of them, check out this website. It talks about building your own solar panels and wind turbines. A concept that has taken off recently. Its really great
http://www.squidoo.com/HomeMade-Green-Energy
References :
Comment by Brett — October 28, 2009 @ 8:53 pm
For the panel itself, the average cost is about $3-5 per Watt. Sometimes even more.
The average home needs between 1,000 and 2,000 Watts total energy. So using $4 per watt and 1,500 watts, you will spend about $6,000 just on the panels.
You also need batteries, about $1,000 worth.
The charge controller will run you a couple hundred.
And you will need an inverter, about $500.
About $8-9,000 all together for an average home.
See the website mentioned and put in your own requirements to get an automatic rundown of what you need.
References :
http://www.metwebsites.com/wwr&d/solar.html
Comment by webman2015 — October 28, 2009 @ 9:32 pm
Despite what many people say, you don’t need batteries for a solar system if you are going to also be connected to the electric company (grid). You just need the panels and an inverter (and mounting hardware and safety equipment like breakers and fuses).
Most people don’t generate all of the electricity they use. They offset some of their use with solar and buy the rest from the grid. You can get a very small grid-tied solar system for as little as $3000. However, it won’t generate much electricity at all. I’d say an average size system is around $10k - $20k. Here are some packages that show all of the components needed. http://www.altestore.com/store/Kits-and-Package-Deals/Grid-Tied-Systems/Alt-E-Designed-Grid-Tie-Packages/c1087/
If you want to see how much you need, look at your electric bill and see how many kwh you buy each month. Put that number into a calculator like this one, and see how big of a system you need. http://www.altestore.com/store/calculators/on_grid_calculator/. Installed cost is about $8 per watt of solar panel.
References :
AltE Store - http://www.altestore.com/store/
Comment by Amy — October 28, 2009 @ 9:53 pm