According to recent stats, approximately 3.2 million homes in the United States already use solar energy–a figure that is only growing.
Installing solar panels is an effective way to reduce energy costs, protect the environment, and tap into a reliable, renewable energy source.
But before you make the switch, there’s a lot you should know about solar panel installation.
Is My Roof Good for Solar Panel Installation?
The amount of sunlight your rooftop receives is key to deciding if solar panels are a good fit. If trees or other objects heavily shade your roof, solar panels won’t be able to work efficiently.
Other considerations include the amount of available roof space, roof design complexity, and the age and slope of your roof. South-facing roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees are best for optimal solar panel installation. But if you don’t have the ideal roof, west and east-facing roofs also work.
The quality of your roof is also an important factor to consider when installing solar panels. A roof should be able to support the weight of the panels as well as withstand weather elements. You should also ensure your roof has no major defects such as cracks or water damage.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
On average, a three-bedroom house with a family of four needs ten solar panels. However, the number of solar panels required depends on your electricity usage and roof condition.
Start by calculating how much energy you use monthly. You can find this information on your utility bill or get a free home energy audit from a local solar installer. Next, measure your roof’s surface area and estimate how much of that area is suitable for solar panels.
You should also consider the solar panel wattage when deciding how many you need. Residential solar panels range between 290-400 watts. Higher-wattage solar panels mean you will need fewer of them.
Calculating the number of solar panels you need can be tricky, as you won’t want to overspend or have insufficient panels that don’t meet your electricity needs. The best way to know how many panels you need is to consult a solar roofing contractor in New Jersey and leverage their expert opinion.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels?
The solar panel installation cost depends on the project size you are willing to invest in. However, you can expect to spend between $5,400 and $18,000 for an average amount of solar panels ranging between six to 12 kilowatts. With the installation cost, your total expenses can range between $6,600 and $22,800.
Does the US Subsidize Solar Panel Installation?
Solar panels allow you to save energy costs in the long run but are a costly investment upfront. The federal government offers solar Investment Tax Credits (ITC) on the cost of installing a residential solar energy system.
The federal tax credit for residential solar energy systems allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the installation cost of the solar panel system from their federal taxes. This incentive can significantly affect the overall cost of going solar and provide additional savings over time when combined with local incentives.
Many states also have solar incentives that motivate going solar. Common types of state and local incentives include rebates, grants, SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates), and loan programs. These incentives vary state by state, so it’s best to research what incentives are available in your area.
Are There Any Other Benefits of Solar Panel Installation?
Besides saving you money on your energy bills over time and helping the environment, solar panel installation also offers several other benefits. It can:
- Increase the value of your home
- Reduce your reliance on the grid
- Provide an additional source of electricity in times of emergency
Key Takeaways
Solar energy is reliable, cheaper, and environmentally friendly. But before investing in it, you should know everything about solar panel installation to make an informed decision.
These are the key points about solar panel installation, as discussed in the article:
- Solar panel installation is ideal on south-facing roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees but is also suitable for west and east-facing roofs.
- The quality of your roof should be able to support the weight of the panels and withstand weather elements.
- The average three-bedroom house with a family of four needs ten solar panels, but the number depends on your electricity use and roof condition.
- An average solar panel installation costs between $6,600 and $22,800.
- The US government offers a 30% solar Investment Tax Credit, which reduces your total investment cost.
- Solar panel installation offers additional benefits such as increasing home value, reducing reliance on the grid, and providing an additional source of electricity in times of emergency.
