Solar panel energy continues to increase in popularity. So much so that the majority of homeowners in the United State have either installed a system or say they are considering it. It is a big decision, often with large upfront costs, and the benefits of which depend on many different factors.
Fortunately, if you are among those who think you may want to install solar panels on a roof, there are only a few major considerations. Keep reading to find out what the three main ones are.
Roof Details
Before you install solar panels on a roof, you need to assess whether you have consistent access to sunlight. If your roof is obscured by trees, buildings, or other objects, there is less surface area to capture energy from the sun. Likewise, if you have a roof with a steep pitch, it may be more difficult for panels to generate energy.
Also, if you live in an area that has a lot of sunny days, that too will impact how much power your solar panels can make. A reputable solar installation company will be able to assess your location and determine the approximate output of different solar power systems and cell types.
Installation Costs
How much you will pay for installing solar panels on a roof will depend on several factors. These include what type and size of the system you need.
There are many different brands and models of solar panels. Two basic categories are monocrystalline and polycrystalline cells.
Monocrystalline cells are made from a single piece of silicone. They can produce more energy than the same-sized polycrystalline ones. However, monocrystalline cells are more expensive, so you will pay bigger upfront costs but get more bang for your buck down the road.
“Soft costs” are the non-hardware costs of solar panel installation. These include things like administrative and supply chain overhead, sales tax, and permitting fees.
Labor costs are a big part of this as well. These will vary based on where you live, and the complexity of the installation. In general, though, labor costs for solar installation have been decreasing for the last decade or so.
Energy Savings and Rebates
There are many benefits of installing solar panels on your roof. One is offsets in energy usage.
The average American spends more than $2,000 every year on utilities. How much money you will save will depend on your home’s energy usage and the amount your solar power system produces.
How much you will receive in state incentives will depend on where you live, since these vary by state. Currently, the federal tax credit is 26 percent for systems installed before the end of 2022. It drops to 22 percent for those installed in 2023.
An easy way to calculate what tax incentives you can leverage is to hire a reputable solar installation company, such as Roof Tech Solar. They will be able to break down costs as well as energy savings and rebate amounts.
Install Solar Panels on a Roof
Now that you know some nuances of solar power, you can decide if you want to install solar panels on a roof. It is a big decision, so getting as much information upfront will help you make the best decision.
We hope this solar panel installation guide was helpful to you. If so, be sure to check out some of our other home-improvement posts, as well as those on health, lifestyle, travel, and many other topics.
Leave a Reply