Is Solar Power Worthwhile?

The cost of a solar system to power or heat your home can cost anywhere from a few thousand to $25,000 or more. The wide range of investment required is the result of many factors.

Whatever reasons..for deciding to opt for solar power, they share a common result: safe, clean, low-cost power. And that is something that everyone needs.

The amount of sunlight received in different areas varies considerably; some places like Santa Fe, New Mexico get an average 325 days sunshine a year. Seattle, on the other hand has only 58 clear days, 82 days that are partly cloudy and 226 days that are cloudy. In the first case, a solar system would provide ample electricity most of the year. In the case of somewhere like Seattle the efficiency would be much lower. People living in Seattle would require many more modules to get the needed amount of electricity and it is this that raises the cost.

Costs vary widely, too, irrespective of the area in which you may live. Some homes can be covered with panels for as little as $5,000, though the average cost is often closer to $16,000. Larger homes, obviously, require more panels and usage can also vary. If the home remains connected to the utility company grid the cost is lower since some power is still coming from the grid. In such a case having a battery storage system can easily double the cost.

Costs can be offset by certain factors. Federal programs, for example, provide tax rebates for those who choose to install a solar power system. The usual methods of reimbursement are either through direct payment or lower property taxes. Some states have similar programs of their own.

Different solar power system vendors provide their own discounts throughout the year, either through winter sales or an agreement to match or beat any price from another competitor. As with any product, it is possible to get a good deal, even on quality material. Improvements in manufacturing have lowered the cost of producing the equipment while at the same time increasing its efficiency. A wide variety of PV (photovoltaic) modules, batteries, charge controllers, inverters and other components are available today. Most work on the same principle as each other but like any product some businesses do a better job of manufacturing and marketing than others.

On the other side of the ledger, the cost of electricity from utility companies continues to rise in most areas and there appears to be no end in sight. Rising oil prices, continued heavy regulation of utility companies, the unnecessary death of the nuclear power industry and other factors all contribute to continually rising prices.

All things considered implementing a solar power system is still a worthwhile project. When the job is carried out properly, most people are glad they did. Solar power systems have a long life, are easy to maintain, cost-effective and produce or contribute to minimal pollution.

There is not a single answer to every circumstance, like most things, implementing a solar power system for your home involves trade offs. In the end, only you can decide whether it is worthwhile.

Whatever reasons people have for deciding to opt for solar power, they share a common result: safe, clean, low-cost power. And that is something that everyone needs.