Solar Panels for Sale
This website offers a variety of options for purchasing solar panels at the best possible price. As the price for solar energy technology has come down, their availability has increased so that they're widely available. You can buy a kit that you put together yourself, you can have an electrician do the whole thing for you, or anywhere in between. Tax incentives make the whole process affordable.
Is it time to install solar panels for your home?
As electricity prices skyrocket and people try to make environmentally friendly decisions, solar panels for homes and business have become more and more popular. The federal government and some states and cities are even offering incentives for those who go solar. Solar panels are readily available and there are contractors who know how to install them. There are do-it-yourself solar kits for those who want to do the work to save some green. The following tips and resources on PV systems, compiled with information from the US Department of Energy (DOE), can get you started.
Why Choose a Solar Panel Electric System?
It’s environmentally friendly. Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity without air pollution. This reduces your consumption of fossil fuels, which contribute to smog and climate change.
Be energy independent. If the power goes out on the hottest day of the year, you’ll still have power. Depending on how many solar panels you install, you may produce some of all of your own electricity.
Save money. The savings on your electricity bills will be immediate. You may also get incentives in the form of tax credits. Since it usually takes years to recoup your investment, you’ll need to crunch the numbers to see if it makes sense for you.
It’s built to last. Solar PV systems are highly durable, even in severe weather. Most systems last 30 years with minimal maintenance. Many systems also come with warranties.
What You Need To Get Started
Direct sunlight. Solar panels produce the most energy where the sun’s energy is strongest, such as in the southwestern U.S., but there is enough sunlight in most areas in the United States. No matter where you live, systems can be optimized to capture the most sunlight possible. Ideally, solar panels should face south, but those that face east and west may also suffice.
Enough space. Most residential systems require between 50 and 1,000 square feet of roof space, depending on how much electricity you plan to generate. In general, more solar panels will produce more electricity. But the efficiency of the module also matters. You can get more efficient (and usually more expensive) materials, you can get by with less space. You may also be able to install solar panels on the ground or on structures like patio covers. Solar panels are also made to look like shingles, but these are more expensive and not yet widely available.
The Two Main Types Of Systems
Grid-connected. Most homeowners choose to stay connected to the grid. This allows you to purchase a large enough system to produce electricity for your average daily needs.On days when you need more, you can still buy it from the power company. Some utility companies will buy excess power from you, enabling you to save more and recoup your costs faster.
Off the grid. A solar system can also be set up as a stand-alone system. The electricity is provided by solar power alone and stored in a battery for later use when your system is not producing any. Such systems typically make sense in remote locations, but can also be used by people who wish to be entirely dependent on solar-powered electricity.
Costs and Discount Solar Panels
The cost of solar panels for sale continues to fall and incentives are on the rise, but the systems still require a relatively large investment. The cost depends primarily on the size of the system and your geographic region. The cost for a 2-5 kilowatt system ranges from about $8,000 to $25,000 after rebates.
The federal and state governments offer homeowners several incentives that can significantly offset the cost of a solar system. Many states provide rebates, tax incentives, low-interest loans and/or net metering—which requires your utility to purchase excess electricity generated by your solar system. Most contractors will know what incentives are available in your area and should even be able to help you with an estimate including any incentives. Also check for contractors offering discount solar panels. Prices have dropped, and competition for your business has increased.
Do It Yourself or Hire a Professional?
Do it yourself kits are widely available, but the systems are fairly complicated. If you do not have experience with construction and electrical projects, it’s a good idea to hire a reputable contractor. An installer will provide you with an analysis of your site and make recommendations on how a solar panel system could work best for your home. It’s always a good idea to get more than one assessment for comparison purposes. Check to see if your installer is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.
Each state and community has its own set of codes and regulations that need to be followed in putting in a solar system. These regulations may affect the type of system you can install and who installs it.