FAQ About Solar Power
After writing this solar blog for the past several years, I get many of the same questions from readers. You might be wondering about these issues yourself. So, without further adieu, let’s go over the 5 most frequently asked questions about solar power.
1. How much do solar panels cost?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including your average monthly electricity bills, amount of solar exposure and solar radiation, number of panels purchased, available tax rebates and incentives, and whether you buy or lease, or use a solar financing program. Generally, a solar panel of 110-140 watts will cost about $500-600 retail. Depending on the size of your home and electricity needs, you may require 6-16 panels (there is a 2400 square foot home across the street from me with 10 solar panels installed).
Federal and state rebates can allow you to recoup 30-90% of the cost of solar panels. There are also programs that allow you to purchase or lease solar panels with no money down.
2. How much can I save on monthly electric bills?
If you install enough solar panels and cut down on power usage, you can have a zero electricity bill. Some people generate more solar electricity than they use, which can then be sold back to the utility through net metering. Laws vary from region to region, so be sure to check with your local government, as well as your electricity provider.
In short, you could say goodbye completely to any electricity bills – including future rate hikes!
Solar panels going up!
3. How long does it take to recoup your investment?
Again, it depends. Let’s say your annual electricity bills were $1000. After installing solar panels, they are now zero. If you invested $7000 on a solar panel system, simple math would say that it’s a 7-year recoupment period. But this does not take into consideration increases in utility rates (to which you would not be subject), nor the increase in value of your property from solar panels.
Experts say that for every $1 you save on annual electricity bills, you experience over a $20 increase in value for your home. That’s over $20,000 with this example.
4. How long will the solar panels last?
In general, new solar panels have a life expectancy of 25-35 years. Most can be installed with very little maintenance thereafter. Just be sure to clean them periodically, remove debris, snow or any other item that blocks absorption of sunlight. Even low-hanging branches can impact the efficiency of your solar panels. Some solar manufacturers include free maintenance with installation. Be sure to ask!
Going solar is one of the easiest investments in renewable energy!
Install solar panels and then let the sun power your life
5. Will my system become obsolete?
Certainly, solar research and development is continuing. Each month, new publications describe advancements in efficiency and lower prices for solar panels. While thin film solar technology does hold great promise in the future, for homeowners interested in going solar right now, photovoltaic (PV) panels are still the gold standard. Take your cues from corporate America, which continues to put PV panels on their rooftops to generate clean renewable power.
Overall, going solar is a sound choice for many property owners. Do your research, compare and contrast bids, and be sure to maximize incentives and rebates.
Oh, and be sure to enjoy getting zero balance electricity bills!
Tags: cost solar panels, home solar panels, home solar power, how long solar panels last, investment solar power, solar electricity, solar FAQ, solar panel technology, solar power savings
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