Category Archives: Cost Benefit

Articles concerning the pricing of solar and the economic benefits of going solar.

Solar panel cost in 2021: what price for solar can you expect?

Reading Time: 6 minutes

With the cost of solar panels dropping every year, there’s never been a better time to go solar. A solar panel installation ranges in cost depending on a number of factors, including your state, equipment brand, and your personal energy use. That all brings us to a key question: how much do solar panels cost? In this article, we’ll break down the cost of solar by system size, state, and panel brand, all of which can significantly impact your final cost of solar panels.

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How electricity rates impact solar savings

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Have you heard that solar panels only make sense in sunny states? Well, don’t believe it for a second – while it’s true that solar panels typically produce more electricity in sunnier areas of the country, how much you can save from installing solar panels rests heavily on one major factor: the costs you avoid paying your utility company for electricity.

People all over the country–even those that live in cloudy areas–can reap solar savings. Generally speaking, the higher your electricity rates, the more money you can save by switching to solar.

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How to calculate solar panel payback period (ROI)

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

The financial benefits of going solar are now well documented. Solar panel systems actually function as investments with strong rates of return, and homeowners generating solar electricity can avoid paying increased utility rates by eliminating their electricity bills. According to a 2015 report by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, installing solar panels on your home can even increase your property values. If you’re reviewing multiple quotes, there are plenty of metrics that can help you make a decision about which solar option is best for you, but studies show most solar shoppers rely on one metric in particular: the solar panel payback period or break-even point.

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Should I go solar now or wait?

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

For those asking themselves “should I go solar”, the cost of solar installation continues to fall. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), installing a residential solar energy system costs 70% less than it did in 2010, which is great news for today’s solar shoppers. But the ever-decreasing costs of solar create a conundrum: should I go solar now or wait? For many, daily headlines that declare lower and lower prices can stir them to action. For others though, these same headlines can cause them to wait a few more years in hopes of saving even more money. So who’s right?

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How solar panel cost and efficiency have changed over time

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

Solar panel technology has been around in some form for a long time – Bell Labs invented the first useful solar cell more than 60 years ago, and scientists have known for centuries that the sun can be used to produce energy. However, it’s only in the last ten years or so that solar photovoltaics (PV) has really taken off as a renewable energy source. There are two major factors influencing the technology’s growth: the steady improvement of both solar panel cost and solar panel efficiency over time.

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How much does a 9 kW solar energy system cost?

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

For many homeowners who want to install solar panels on their roofs, a 9-kilowatt (kW) solar energy system is a good size for significantly reducing or eliminating electricity costs. Getting the right price for your solar installation and maximizing long-term savings is easy when you compare your solar quotes with the prices that other shoppers in your area are seeing. Find out more about how much a 9 kW solar panel system costs; the amount of electricity you can expect your 9 kW system to produce daily, monthly, and annually; and the smartest way to shop for solar in EnergySage’s 9 kW solar panel system guide.

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What does a 3,500 Watt (3.5kW) solar system cost in the U.S.?

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

3.5 kW solar systems (or 3,500 watts) are the average consumption size for smaller households. When you decide to invest in home solar panels, the cost to install the system on your roof is one of the biggest factors determining your long-term solar savings. Want to know the best way to ensure you’re getting a good deal? Compare your solar quotes with the prices that other solar shoppers paid for solar systems in your neighborhood. Learn more about the cost of 3.5 kW solar systems, how much electricity they can produce, and what the smartest way is to shop for solar.

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How much does a 12,000 watt (12kW) solar system cost?

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

If you have high electricity bills, installing a 12-kilowatt (kW) solar energy system on your home can significantly reduce your monthly costs. To maximize your long-term solar savings, you want to be sure that you get the right price for your solar panel installation. The best way to feel confident about your purchase: compare offers for 12 kW solar systems with the prices offered to other solar shoppers in your area. Find out more about how much a 12 kW solar system costs where you live, the amount of electricity you can expect your 12 kW system to produce, and the smartest way to shop for solar in EnergySage’s guide to 12 kW solar panel systems.

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Going off-grid with solar: what does it mean and how much will it cost? (Part 1)

How to find affordable solar panels in 2020

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

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Installing a solar energy system is becoming increasingly attainable for homeowners across the country as prices continue to drop. Being savvy about where to find the best deals on solar can make your solar installation process pain-free, and lead to maximum savings.

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