Why is solar energy expensive

Complex Roofs: If your roof has multiple levels, an unusual angle, or dormers, installing your system may be more complicated than usual.

Your installer should arrange the panels for optimal energy production, but the added effort will increase costs. Distributing solar panels across multiple levels will add complexity, as will installations on certain roof types such as tile and slate. Landscaping: If you need to trim branches or landscape your area for optimal energy production, this may also add to the total cost of your system. To save money, consider doing this work yourself ahead of time safety permitting!

Improving Your Electrical System: Though unlikely, your electrical system could require an upgrade in order to be brought up to code. If needed, this added work would increase the costs of your solar installation. To spread these costs out, consider upgrading your electric system in one month and then going solar in the next. By taking simple steps, you can significantly lower the costs of installing a solar energy system.

This post first appeared on Mother Earth News. There are several components in residential solar installations that affect the final price. While the solar company will cover any warranty claims, all other upkeep is the sole responsibility of the homeowner. Repairs and equipment replacement costs vary. Frugal energy users can try cleaning their own panels to reduce their costs. However, periodic professional cleanings are still recommended to maintain optimal system performance.

The savings from solar panels come in the form of dramatically lower electric bills. Another way to look at savings is by calculating your solar payback period. The payback period is the length of time it takes you to recoup your initial investment costs.

After that time, every watt of energy you make is profit. In most states, the payback period for solar panels is currently years. Learn more about solar panel savings and solar payback period. How much a household can actually save depends on many factors:. Use the solar panel calculator below to understand how soon your new residential solar system will start paying you back.

Yes, solar panels are expensive. But in addition to offering energy independence and environmentally-friendly renewable energy, solar panels also have the potential to save you thousands of dollars over the life of the panels. Furthermore, the high upfront costs needn't be an obstacle: most solar companies work with loan providers to offer many financing options. If you haven't already, start by getting an solar cost and savings estimate to see if the math is in your favor.

Zeeshan is passionate about promoting renewable energy and tackling climate change. He developed these interests while studying at beautiful Middlebury College, Vermont, which has a strong focus on sustainability. He has previously worked in the humanitarian sector — for Doctors Without Borders — and in communications and journalism. The new Kohler Power Reserve solar battery rivals the sonnenCore and Tesla Powerwall, but with a higher price tag, is it a worthwhile investment?

When going solar, most installers are likely to recommend SolarEdge products. But are they worth the money? Should you add them to your solar system? Solar arrays are collections of solar panels. With his expertise in green energy, he has been able to help people save money and live more sustainably through solar power.

Ross' writing also helps educate others about the benefits of greener living and renewable resources. He loves saving money anywhere he can, as well as helping people do the same. Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Terms and Conditions. Facebook Twitter Instagram. The Solar Advantage. How Do Solar Panels Work? Teaching your Kids about Solar Energy How to fix solar lights? What is Solar Energy? About Us. Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube. Know the Market Educate yourself on solar: Installers spend a great deal of time and money educating consumers on the benefits and options presented by solar energy systems. I am having They are getting a decent profit and I will keep Enerysage informed of my install and production, and of course, problems.

I chose high quality components so the install will be the interesting factor. Our US pricing differential is rooted in one thing only…. Installers pay thousands to their sales people and 3rd party lead generators. EnergySage is looking to reduce that sales cost, but in most instances ends up being used as simply a lead generator which ads more cost on top of internal sales at the installer level.

Tesla is making a legitimate effort to limit sales cost by ending door to door sales and taking operations online. Your email address will not be published. Enter your zip code to find out what solar panels cost from installers near you. What can the US learn from Australia?

Take advantage of solar pricing reductions on EnergySage Across the US, solar panel systems pay for themselves in under eight years.