Before deciding whether solar panel are worth it, there are several important factors you should consider. These include the costs, payback period, and impact on home values. Installing solar panels on your home may be the best option for some homeowners, but not all homes are a good candidate. The location and shade of your roof also play a role in how much solar power your home can receive. South-facing roofs are best for solar power.
Prices
Although prices for solar panels are variable by state and location, they are often much cheaper than the power costs from traditional utility companies. Solar systems can also reduce utility bills, making solar panels a very attractive option for homeowners. Although solar panels are not cheap, they can help you lower your utility bills and contribute to a greener environment.
Before you decide whether to install solar panel, first calculate your monthly electricity bills. Divide that figure by your average utility provider's rate. Online calculators can then be used to estimate the cost of solar panels.
Payback period
The payback for solar panels depends on several factors. This includes how much electricity your system uses and how big it is. A rooftop solar array is usually cheaper than a ground-mounted or pole-mounted one. However, adding premium solar panels or a battery bank will increase the cost. Premium panels, such as those for food preservation, will prevent your food from spoiling during power outages and prevent your sump pump from being damaged by a hurricane.
First, determine how much your electricity bill fluctuates. To calculate the payback period, you can use the average electricity bill for the past six months. Also, seasonal changes and variations in cost can be considered. You can also consider seasonal temperatures and variations in cost. For instance, if your monthly electric bill is 100%, your solar panels payback time will be between 20 to 25 years.
Impact on home value
The impact of solar panels on home values varies depending on the location and size of the solar energy system. One study estimated that adding solar panels to homes increased home value by about 4%. This study was done seven years ago and it's not clear if the same effect will be seen today.
Many real estate agents say that adding solar panels will increase the value of a home. They also claim that a typical solar home buyer can save hundreds of dollars per month, depending on the size and amount of electricity used. These savings may not be substantial, and a home owner should also consider any maintenance costs. Many buyers see solar installation as a win/win situation. They are prepared to pay as little as $4 per watt to have a solar-powered home.
System size
There are many factors that affect the size of a solar system. First, consider the electricity use of your household. If you live in the United States, the average single family home uses about 10,400 kWh per year. A solar panel system should be capable of producing at least this much electricity. Residential solar panels typically produce 350 to 450 watts. Depending upon your usage, you may only require 17 400 watt panels in order to generate enough electricity to power the average American home.
Inverters are required for all solar panels. They convert the direct current from the sun into alternating curent (AC), which can be used to power most appliances. It is essential to choose the right inverter for your system, as the right size will determine how efficient your solar panels will be.
Upkeep
Keeping your solar panels clean is easy. It is easy to do and cost-effective. However, if your panels are facing a lot of traffic, dust and other debris will build up over time. In these instances, it is crucial to clean your solar panels regularly. You can clean your panels with soapy hot water, but remember that soapy water quickly evaporates and leaves behind a film. You can also hire a professional to clean your panels if you have difficulty getting to them.
When cleaning solar panels, wear a hard hat as well as a protective harness. Also, avoid damaging the solar panels by using mild detergent. If you don't have the time or tools, you can hire a professional solar panel cleaner to do it for you. It's easy to find someone to clean the panels using a free quote.