Figuring out what solar panels cost

Its the first question most people ask when considering renewable energy: “what do solar panels cost?”  These five simple words do not necessarily lead to a straightforward answer.

In short…. it depends.

There are a number of things that affect the cost of solar panels, from energy requirements to the type of system you are considering.  Before you install solar panels, you’ll need to consider various factors to decide how to best (and perhaps most cheaply) generate solar electricity.

Fortunately, in 2010, there are still government tax incentives and rebates to help ease the upfront burden.  In fact, some cities and counties may even help you finance solar panels through relatively small increases in your property taxes.

The more people that install solar panels, the cheaper they are!

Across the board, the cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels per watt has dropped significantly over the past decade.  According an article at Science Daily, “average installed costs, in terms of real 2007 dollars per installed watt, declined from $10.50 per watt in 1998 to $7.60 per watt in 2007, equivalent to an average annual reduction of 30 cents per watt or 3.5 percent per year in real dollars.”

And what a difference two years can make!  In 2009, the $1 per watt barrier was claimed to have been broken by First Solar.  But experts state that the true cost is closer to $2-4 per watt, when you include mounting costs and other necessary equipment.

Aside from the hard costs for solar panels, what can you do to minimize or reduce the actual financial outlay?  Plenty!

First, minimize your energy usage.  The less electricity you use, the less you have to generate.

Second, look for a package deal.  Some manufacturers will offer reduced pricing if you and several other property owners purchase at the same time.  You could either negotiate your own deal, or use a site like One Block Off the Grid to work out the details for you.

Third, consider long-term, as well as short-term savings.  Over time, your costs per watt will not rise, even when the utility companies raise their rates.  There is real value in this regard.  According to the Appraisal Journal, you can increase your property value by $20 for every $1 saved each year in electricity bills.  That means that a solar energy system that saves $400/year will add $8,000 to the value of your home.  It could pay for itself within just a few years!

You could wait to see what the solar panels will cost in 2011, or you could start saving some serious cash on your monthly bills right away.  No time like the present, I say!

Solar Energy Loan Program Starts in Palm Desert Today

Today, in sunny southern California, hundreds of people are in line to submit applications for a solar energy loan program starting this morning in Palm Desert.  The city will start accepting applications at 8:00 a.m.

Finally, after more than a year, the 300-plus people on the City’s waiting list for solar loans may finally be able to get a decision on their applications.  Up for grabs is $1.25 million in financing for solar power projects.

As reported in the Desert Sun yesterday:

“Part of the city’s five-year drive to cut energy use by 30 percent, the Palm Desert program offers residents affordable loans for major energy-saving home improvements, such as solar panels and high-efficiency air conditioners. Long-term payback of the loans is linked to homeowners’ property taxes.”

Solar loans offered today in California

As people consider renewable energy options for their homes and small businesses, there remains a concern about cost.  Programs that allow you to finance solar panels help defray upfront costs (as do government tax incentives).  Its a win-win for both property owners and local governments.  Here’s a brief summary:

“This type of financing is the latest and greatest!  For example, in California, municipalities have the authority to create special tax assessment districts.  These allow residents within the district to borrow money from the city and pay it back through an increase in property taxes over time.”

With respect to Palm Desert, the solar energy loan program has already made $5 million in loans.  However, since February this year, the City has been looking for funding from outside sources.  Now, it has secured the monies and is ready to roll again.  About half of the newly available $2.5 million will be allowed for solar loans, while the rest will be offered only for other green, eco-friendly projects to conserve energy.

If you live in the Palm Desert area of California, you’d better log off and get in line right away!  Other readers should look into municipal websites and information to see if their locality also offers solar energy loan programs.

Have you applied for a solar energy loan program?  If so, what was your experience?  We’d love to hear about it.

You can finance solar panels

Two days ago, we went over some of the ways you can finance solar panels for your home or business.  You don’t need to have cold, hard cash in order to trigger the power of the sun.  There are a number of options that could allow you to finance solar panels to start a cleaner, greener life right now.

Be sure to check back to the original post to see the pros and cons about financing solar panels, first!

Continuing from the first 5 tips, add the following to your list:

6.  Cash Out Investments.  Well, these days, you may not have anything left with stock market plunges and the economy in a deep recession.  However, some people have considered cashing out CDs, money market accounts or even borrowing against their 401(k) investments.  My advice:  talk to a financial advisor first before deciding on this route.

7.  Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).  These agreements are becoming more common in both the commercial and residential markets.  Under a PPA, the provider will finance, install and own your solar panels, and you put in 0 money!  The way this works is that the provider acts in many ways as your utility company.  You will be billed for the electrical output of the solar panel system at a discounted rate.  During the term of the PPA you may have the ability to purchase the system yourself.  The benefits include the fact that the provider assumes risk, but the downside includes the possibility of onerous terms.  You may want a lawyer to review a PPA before you decide to go this route.

Finance solar panels for your home or business

8.  Local Government Loans. This type of financing is the latest and greatest!  For example, in California, municipalities have the authority to create special tax assessment districts.  These allow residents within the district to borrow money from the city and pay it back through an increase in property taxes over time.  One of the leaders in this financing opportunity is Berkeley, CA, which has adopted a Financing Initiative for Renewable and Solar Technology (FIRST).  You can get up to $37,5000 per solar panel installation without even saving for a down payment.  One word:  wow.

9.  Energy-Efficient Mortgage (EEM).  The federal government supports EEMs by providing insurance through the FHA or VA programs.  These mortgages (secured by equity in your home) allow financing of energy-efficient installations, including solar panels.  The Energy Star program partners with lenders who provide EEMs.  Those lenders can then use the Energy Star brand in their advertising.

10.  Bank Loans.  Either secured, or unsecured, loans offered by banks have expanded into the PV system market.  If you go the secured route, your money will likely be backed by the equity in your home.  Check with your tax consultant to determine if interest on the loan is tax-deductible.  Unsecured loans do not put your home equity at risk, but they will not result in a tax benefit to you.  Ask around, because these loans are getting more prevalent.

Now you have a number of options to finance solar panels.  Of course, like any loan, you may end up paying more than if you paid cash up front.  Be sure to consider your specific circumstances before entering into any agreement in this regard.  You’ll want to make the best decision from a financial and tax-based standpoint.

Enjoy your new solar panels!

Can you finance solar panels?

We all know that a solar power system is not cheap to purchase and install.  Even though tax credits and incentives are generous, you may still be wondering whether you can finance solar panels.  Would that even be a wise decision?

Under certain circumstances, you may be able to get a loan for solar panels.  There are benefits and drawbacks to consider before you make such a decision.  And, even if you decide to finance solar panels, you should consider the type of loan you’ll want to seek.

Due to the large number of solar panel payment options, we’ll break this into two posts.  Part 2 will be published tomorrow!

When You Should Consider Financing:

• Monthly payments would be approximately what you would otherwise pay in electricity bills and/or you can comfortably stick to the loan schedule
• You have ample equity in your home and do not plan to sell for the next 12-24 months (or more).
• Financing programs may include maintenance or repair of the solar panels, saving you hassle and expense
• If your liquidity is low, but credit rating is at least 640

You can get loans for solar panels

When You May Wish to Reconsider Financing:

• Credit check and approval process may delay your purchase
• You could end up paying more for the solar panels due to interest charges over the life of the loan
• If there are loan restrictions on selling your house
• The fine print in a solar panel lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) includes onerous requirements or restrictions
• If your credit score is below 640

O.K., so if you’ve decided that financing solar panels is a sound decision for you.  The following options are available; you may wish to consult with a financial advisor before signing up, however!

1.  Credit Card.  Yep, you can charge them.  Before you slap down your plastic, however, make sure your credit limit is high enough and interest rate low.  Unlike home equity loans, the interest will not be tax-deductible.  Also, make sure that your bank is not adjusting interest rates upwards as some are currently doing.

2.  HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) or Home Equity Loan.  I’ll be honest.  These were a lot easier to obtain several years ago than now.  Still, for people that retain ample equity in their homes, this option is generally the favorite for financing solar panels.  Often times, the interest on the loan is tax-deductible, but always check with a professional beforehand.  Interest rates can vary widely between HELOCs and home equity loans, from 4.5-8%

3.  Refinancing a First Mortgage.  Similar drawbacks and cautions to the notes above, except that you can be certain that interest payments will be tax deductible.  The question is, can or should you refinance your mortgage in today’s market?  This won’t be an option for you if you owe more than your home is worth.

4.  Lease Solar Panels.  As shown in the video above, you could consider an operating lease as a way to finance solar panels.  Expect a lease term of 7-20 years, and payments that will be at or below expected utility costs.  Similar to a car lease, you can purchase the panels at the end of the term, or simply renew the agreement.  Check the terms of the lease for any restrictive requirements before signing!

5.  Direct Vendor Financing.  Reputable companies like Sharp Solar and BP Solar offer financing to qualified customers that wish to purchase their panels.  The upside is that the payments are usually low and spread out over a long period of time (15-30 years), and incentives such as no payments for one year may be enticing enough to lure you in.  Not surprisingly, you’ll get a better interest rate depending on your credit score.  If you are working directly with a solar panel dealer, be sure to ask if they offer financing and get a clear picture on the terms of the loan.

Haven’t seen a good answer to the question of how to pay for solar panels yet?   Check back tomorrow when we publish 5 additional options to finance solar panels.

Would you get a loan for solar panels?  If so, what type of vehicle would you use?