Might solar panels be the next wise investment in your plans? If you’re considering installing solar panels, you’re definitely making a great choice, but how can you be sure what you’ll actually be paying? While a professional solar installer like the ones at Zenergy Solar can help you power your home with a new solar system, it’s also good to head into the process knowing the monetary costs for your home situation. We’ll break down five of the biggest factors that impact the cost of solar panels for homeowners, so you’ll be able to identify the impact solar energy will have on your wallet.
Roof Type
Solar panels are great for homeowners with metal, asphalt shingles, and roofs that are flat in nature. If you have other roofing materials such as clay or tile, your installers might need different materials to hook on the panels that add to the total cost of the installation. In addition, if your roof has a ton of angles or curves, it’ll be difficult to install enough panels for your consumption levels. Your installers may have to build additional scaffolding to angle the panels, resulting in a higher installation cost.
Condition of Your Roof
Is your roof old or aging? Have you been getting adequate maintenance done on your roof? Even if you’ve taken good care of your roof, if it’s nearing its lifespan, you’ll need a roof replacement before proceeding with your solar panel installation. Your installers will recommend replacing the roof as it’s much more difficult and unnecessary to repair your roof a year or two after your panels are installed.
Getting new roofing will, of course, increase your solar panel costs but will also come with additional benefits like increased energy efficiency (on top of the energy savings from your solar power system) and a healthier home.
Type of Solar Panels You Get
When shopping for solar panels, you’ll likely encounter these three types of solar panels. Monocrystalline is the most efficient but costliest type of solar panel, with an efficiency rate of almost 25% and a longer lifespan. Polycrystalline panels are made from silicon fragments poured into a mold, which helps make them extremely energy efficient. They are around 20% in efficiency ratings, and their lifespan is slightly shorter than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are used less than the other types, as they average a 19% efficiency rate and last between 10-20 years — a lower rate than the alternatives.
Your Energy Consumption Levels
While solar panels are created to offset most of your energy consumption, the more you use, the more panels you’ll need for your home. Solar panels are extremely efficient, so you won’t have to worry much unless your energy consumption is at astronomical levels. That said, with the sweet spot of energy consumption, you can benefit from options like net metering while still producing enough energy that justifies the cost.
Solar Incentives
Many governments are offering tax credits and incentives that greatly affect the cost of your solar panel installations. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) awards homeowners who invest in renewable energy the opportunity to reduce the cost of their solar systems by 26%. In Delaware, homeowners can enjoy net metering that sells their excess energy in exchange for credits towards their utility bills. Multiple utility companies offer a cash rebate for a solar installation, with some Delaware homeowners eligible to earn over $6,000.
Get Your New Solar Panel System With Zenergy Solar
Solar panels are a wise choice for your home, but that doesn’t mean they’re a simple investment. It’s important to keep in mind these five factors that impact the cost of your solar panels, but we know that a lot more goes into the process.
That’s why getting your solar installations with a company like Zenergy Solar is the wisest choice a homeowner can make. We take pride in not only providing expert solar installations in the Delaware Valley but breaking down the entire process for homeowners so that you aren’t left confused about what to do next. Contact us today and get started with one of our expert installers and enjoy the benefits of a rooftop solar panel installation.
