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Solar Energy Systems are made up of several components, which can vary depending on the size and purpose of the system. Primarily, the systems consist of an array of cells inside a solar panel, several solar panels mounted in a way that receives direct sunlight, wiring, and in some cases inverters and/or batteries.
The average cost of solar energy for the home depends on the amount of electricity used in the home (i.e. how much electricity will be needed), the location of the home (how much direct sunlight the location receives), and how much of the existing electrical supply the home owner wants to replace with solar.
Basically, the more panels you need the larger your system will be and the more it will cost. Usually, even partial solar energy systems for existing homes cost over $50,000 and total solar energy can be over $100,000. So even if a home owner entirely eliminates a $300 per month electric bill, it would take close to 14 years before they would recoup the cost of a $50,000 system.
The average cost of solar energy for the home depends on the amount of electricity used in the home (i.e. how much electricity will be needed), the location of the home (how much direct sunlight the location receives), and how much of the existing electrical supply the home owner wants to replace with solar.
Basically, the more panels you need the larger your system will be and the more it will cost. Usually, even partial solar energy systems for existing homes cost over $50,000 and total solar energy can be over $100,000. So even if a home owner entirely eliminates a $300 per month electric bill, it would take close to 14 years before they would recoup the cost of a $50,000 system.
There are several ways to make solar more affordable for the average homeowner however. Here are just some of them.
Start saving energy. The less power you use on a regular basis, the less you'll have to replace. When it comes time to install your solar energy system, replacing only 700 kilowatt hours per month will be much more affordable than replacing 1200 kilowatt hours. Check out our report for great energy saving tips. It's free when you join our newsletter.
Start with a smaller partial solar energy system and add on to it over time. Install a hybrid systems that use wind power combined with solar.
The best way to achieve an affordable solar solution is to build your own system over time using low cost new or used panels, or by building your own panels from scratch.
Usually a single panel can be built for under $200 and the homeowner can install additional panels as needed. You'll find a lot of other articles on this site that deal with building and installing your own solar panels and other DIY energy systems.
So to recap, there are a few key ways to achieve affordable solar power at home:
1) Practice effective energy conservation so that your overall power consumption is decreased.
2) Plan your overall system and build it to be expandable over time, then install it over time so that you can spread out the expense.
3) Pay attention to energy rating information on any appliances or electrical equipment you replace in your home. Energy efficient appliances will contribute a great deal to reducing your overall solar costs. You can get more information at the government's EnergyStar Ratings website.
4) Consider building your own DIY system out of used panels or panels you build yourself using the strategy described in point 2 above. If you go this route, make sure you get high quality instruction materials because while the work involved is pretty easy it has to be done right to achieve maximum efficeiency and system performance.
Start saving energy. The less power you use on a regular basis, the less you'll have to replace. When it comes time to install your solar energy system, replacing only 700 kilowatt hours per month will be much more affordable than replacing 1200 kilowatt hours. Check out our report for great energy saving tips. It's free when you join our newsletter.
Start with a smaller partial solar energy system and add on to it over time. Install a hybrid systems that use wind power combined with solar.
The best way to achieve an affordable solar solution is to build your own system over time using low cost new or used panels, or by building your own panels from scratch.
Usually a single panel can be built for under $200 and the homeowner can install additional panels as needed. You'll find a lot of other articles on this site that deal with building and installing your own solar panels and other DIY energy systems.
So to recap, there are a few key ways to achieve affordable solar power at home:
1) Practice effective energy conservation so that your overall power consumption is decreased.
2) Plan your overall system and build it to be expandable over time, then install it over time so that you can spread out the expense.
3) Pay attention to energy rating information on any appliances or electrical equipment you replace in your home. Energy efficient appliances will contribute a great deal to reducing your overall solar costs. You can get more information at the government's EnergyStar Ratings website.
4) Consider building your own DIY system out of used panels or panels you build yourself using the strategy described in point 2 above. If you go this route, make sure you get high quality instruction materials because while the work involved is pretty easy it has to be done right to achieve maximum efficeiency and system performance.
