Solar Panels Cost

Typical costs:

• Installing a solar-powered swimming pool heater ranges from $2,500-$7,000, but averages $3,000-$4,000. Extremely low operating costs will repay that expense in 1.5-7 years, depending on local fuel prices. Solar pool heating is the most cost-effective use of solar energy for many climates, according to the US Department of Energy, which gives a detailed description of solar pool heaters and selection tips.
• Solar-powered home water heaters cost $1,000-$3,500 (including installation) but have extremely low monthly operating costs and can be used in any climate, according to the US Department of Energy.
• The cost for a solar heating system can vary widely. A simple do-it-yourself window air heater collector to heat one room can be made for several hundred dollars. Depending on the type, size and configuration, having a contractor install a complex system to heat several rooms or an entire house can be $25,000-$100,000 or more. The most cost-effective solar heating systems usually provide 40-80% of a home's heating needs; it's often impractical to supply 100 percent of the heat needed and most building codes and mortgage lenders require a back-up heating system, according to the US Department of Energy.
• To provide electrical power, a small-scale solar energy system producing about 1 kilowatt costs $10,000-$15,000, and provides a fraction of the average home use; a 2 kW system meeting most of the power needs of an energy-efficient home is $16,000-$20,000; and a 5 kW system providing all the energy needs of most conventional homes runs $35,000-$45,000. Prices vary based on building and system configuration, the type of equipment selected and other factors. Generally it costs less to install a system in a new home rather than remodeling an existing one, although it can be practical to install a solar system while replacing the roof.
• Completely remodeling a traditional non-energy-efficient home to convert it to all-solar-systems (lights, heat, water and electricity) can run $100,000-$200,000 or more and is rarely done on older houses.

• The Department of Energy describes different types of solar systems, with selection tips.
• Many solar modules now look similar to roof shingles, blending in with a home's exterior; This Old House^[1] gives an overview.
• Generally, large solar systems are better suited to warmer climates with a high solar fraction, which is the typical percentage of daylight hours with a cloudless sky. The Southwestern US typically has a solar fraction of 80 percent; in the Northeastern US it's about 50 percent.
• Check with your local building department; usually a permit is required to install a solar heating or energy system, even a solar water heater.

• As an incentive, the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 allows homeowners a tax credit of 30 percent or up to $2,000 of the cost of a solar system; often there are also state or local tax credits or rebates.

• Nextag.com^[2] compares prices for do-it-yourself solar pool heater kits.
• The Colorado Solar Energy Industries Associations provides a guide for hiring a solar contractor.
• Search for solar installers^[3] through the American Solar Energy Society or search the member directory^[4] of the Solar Energy Industries Association to find contractors, distributers or manufacturers by state.
• Get written estimates from at least two companies. Find out how long they've been in business, and what training or certification they have. Ask to see pictures of previous projects; request and contact references.

1.  www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,1205726,00.html
2.  www.nextag.com/solar-home-heating-system/stores-html
3.  www.findsolar.com/
4.  www.seia.org/directory

Check Out All Costs for Home and Garden		How Much Does Heating Oil Cost?		How Much Does Painting a House Cost?		How Much Does a Fence Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Three quarters of Americans will be affected by the polar vortex. Here's information on clearing snow. The price of a "Forever" stamp increases to 55 cents on January 27, 2019. What would a personal trainer cost to reach those New Years goals? It's the New Year. Looking for a gym membership to keep to that resolution? Who is planning your big holiday event? A catering company may be able to help.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Hot Water Heater Paid: 1805.00 Notified the company Saturday and they were onsite Monday morning with and evaluation. Within 2 hours they had the new water heater onsite and installing... [more] -Robert Flowers Replacing a Water Heater Cost Nitrous oxide Paid: 727.00 My oral surgeon wanted to charge me $727 for nitrous oxide I opted for the needle and he was extra rough on me I think he was mad because I wouldn't spend the money... [more] -Nathan e dodge Sedation Dentistry Cost Clearing Forest of lightly wooded brushy area. no tree cutting Paid: 1100.00 Hired to clear 2-lots 98.24 length by 62.5 width and 3rd lot 56.5 width by 110.99 length. He started clearing borderline path all around property to work his way to center of property. Debris was burned (none was hauled away)... [more] -Margie brown Land Clearing Cost Cost Paid: 300.00 WHY is it so expensive---my sibling is on Social Security... [more] - Medical Marijuana Cost Sunroom Patio Enclosures Paid: 56000.00 14x16 gable roof 3 season room 4 season was $75,000 includes new deck gable roof shingled with skylights... [more] -ROBERT PETERS Sunroom Cost 20% Rear, 35% Front, 70% Windshield + "Free" Sunroof Paid: 500.00 Got a few quotes around town. This place low balled me to get me in the door, but I already knew I'd want more premium grade tint. Office was friendly and explained my options well... [more] -Butchy45 Window Tinting Cost