Tag: Are solar panels worth it?

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Are solar panels worth it?

Are solar panels worth it?

Let’s start by asking this question: Do you like to save money? We understand that that’s an obvious question but in reality, what it all boils down to is money. When you switch to solar panels, you can save 15% or more on your electric bill.

Many homes and businesses have switched to solar as they have realized solar panels are worth it because they help them to save money while at the same time helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) that cause climate change. Solar energy production does not emit any carbon into the atmosphere as it utilizes light from the sun to produce electricity unlike burning carbon-intensive fuels to produce electricity. 

In 2006, solar panels were installed every 80 minutes per installation in the USA according to GTM research. GTM Research projected that if the market continued at the same rate, the solar industry in the USA could be installing a  solar panel system every 83 seconds in 2016. 

Now, let’s ask another question: Is saving energy important for you? Is the environment essential for you? We understand that these are personal questions but they are both extremely important, in our opinion. We all want to live in a safe environment, all want to drink clean water and breath clean air and in order to have all of this, we need to cut down on carbon emissions. Solar power is the most economical and sensible solution for this. Your next-door neighbor probably has solar panels, right? If you are reading this, it’s because you are seriously considering switching to solar.

There is one thing that we all know. Solar panels are everywhere. Our neighbors have them and we can’t help but notice all of the marketing around them.

There are two types of solar panels. The kind that catches the sun’s energy and converts it into electricity (photovoltaic) and the other kind is one that enables you to heat water and lower your electricity bills (solar thermal).

To figure out if it’s worth it, you need to know how much energy per day you really use. You need to determine when it is that you are using most of your energy. Are you home during the day? Panels generate energy during the day and if you use most of your energy when the system is generating, you’ll save even more money as you will need much less electricity from the network.

How many solar panels do I need?

You’ll be happy to know that solar panels are low maintenance in general. All they need is an annual cleaning but other than that, they basically take care of themselves. So, no matter how many you need, you won’t need to worry about taking care of them.

Well, this too depends on what your main goals are. Do you want to save all the money that you can? Is your goal to try to help make our environment a more livable place? Once you have answered these questions, then you will be able to determine how many panels you will need on your rooftop.

How much power does your home use on a daily basis? When is the peak sunlight in your area? What is the usable space on your rooftop? Of course, you won’t be able to answer all of those questions on your own so you will probably need to hire a professional installer.

Solar panels don’t operate at their maximum all of the time, all day long. The bad weather conditions can reduce their efficiency so you will also need to take that into consideration when you decide how many panels you will need.

We understand that the main factor in deciding whether or not to change to solar, you need to know how much the system costs. Well, it all depends and you’ll need to ask yourselves a few more questions.

How much does it cost to install solar panels?

First, you’ll need to figure out how many panels you can actually fit on your roof, and in order to do so, you will have answered all of the questions above. You need to take into consideration how much energy you wish to generate. If you want the maximum, you’ll need to fill your roof with as many panels that can fit up there but it’s easier said than done.

In the end, a solar system can save you approximately between $300 and $2000 per year depending on where you live and that amount will grow with inflation.

The timing is perfect if you have been thinking of installing solar panels. Since 2009, solar costs have come down 75%. They are much less expensive than they used to be as there is a bigger demand for them.

The price of solar panels varies depending on the variety and the efficiency of the panels. However, residential panels are pretty standard today. The price of the installation may differ, depending on the region that you live in. You must not forget that the price will also vary depending on your usage and the size of your roof of course.

We have realized that today, almost everyone can afford to go solar. There are so many options for loans that are available out there with zero money down. There are even possibilities of leasing where you pay on a monthly basis.

In at least 45 states, the government offers tax incentives for homeowners who decide to install solar panels. Some states have rebates and others have solar carve-out in their electricity standards that offer homeowners the opportunity to make extra revenue.

No matter what decision you decide to lean towards, solar panels are definitely a way of the future and only positive can come out of it. Think about it: You will be doing a great deal for our environment and you will be putting money in your pocket. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

How much solar do I need? (Solar needs calculator/calculate solar power needs)

Are solar panels worth it? Find out about a solar needs calculator/online solar marketplace that can help you determine how much solar you need or calculate solar power needs.

To answer the question of whether solar panels are worth it to install on your roof, the solar needs calculator tells you and calculates for you the incentives, your solar panel cost, while helping you to know your solar panel sizing.

Finally, it presents to you the best financing options available to you, your payback period, and savings to determine how worth are your solar panels when you simply enter your location. Learn more about the solar panel calculator.

Most people considering switching to solar want to know whether is worth the investment. The good news is that today you can answer the question: Are solar panels worth it? by simply using an online solar energy calculator that is a click away and you don’t have to research a lot of information as this online solar tool has an inbuilt online solar marketplace that is a one-stop place of information i.e. – all you need to know to switch to solar.

Going solar has been made easier and simple as booking a plane ticket because this process – is simplified by using a first of its kind online solar energy calculator that utilizes Google Maps and information taken from other databases to show users possible configurations of solar panels on their home, and put them in contact with solar energy providers.

The interesting feature about this system is that it is capable of calculating how much sun a rooftop gets at any particular time of the year which is a key factor in determining whether switching to solar makes financial sense. Also, this solar panel cost calculator can tell you how much does it cost to install solar panels.

Using this new online solar savings calculator, consumers (homeowners and businesses) are able to compare and contrast the costs and benefits of different solar energy plans available to them in this solar energy calculator. These options are presented to consumers in terms of solar panel cost, energy savings, money savings as well as financing options available to them to decide whether to switch to solar with cash, loan, solar lease or solar PPA.

Solar PPA and solar lease require no money down thus helping you to go solar as these two options are affordable for most consumers that may not have any cash upfront, but can afford to pay for their solar on a month to month basis.

The process of switching to solar PV starts with simply entering your address into the solar panel cost calculator  and you can start comparing the costs and benefits of the different plans presented to you as the consumer. Today there are a few solar energy calculators that can help consumers select, compare, and determine costs and savings of going solar. These solar panel cost calculators are listed below for your selection. Also, see a description or review of these online market places.

  1. EnergySage solar needs calculator 
  2. Geostellar solar needs calculator
are solar panels worth it
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How much will a solar panel cost? Are solar panels worth it to install on your rooftop!

Solar Panel Cost and Variables

When people are trying to determine the cost of solar panels, they need to take many different factors into account. For one thing, the cost of solar panels will vary tremendously based on the energy requirements of a given household or business. There are also tax credits and rebates and state incentives to consider, since all of these potential discounts can affect the ultimate cost of a solar panel system. People will ask: are solar panels worth it? For many people, the answer will be ‘yes.’

Decreased Solar Panel Cost

The cost of solar panels has gone down with time. Very recently, people would pay between seven and nine dollars per watt. Solar panel systems are typically measured in terms of kilowatts, meaning thousands of watts, so they could be expensive to install.

In 2017, solar panels have cost people in the United States between 2.87 and 3.85 dollars a watt, meaning the cost of solar energy per watt has decreased by more than half in a short number of years. The average solar system size in the United States is 5 kW, so even before tax credits, many Americans will spend 16,800 dollars for a solar panel installation.

This is half what Americans used to spend on solar energy only a few years ago. With tax credits, Americans can save an additional six thousand dollars or three thousand dollars, so they might spend ten thousand dollars on their solar panels.

However, some households will need much larger systems than this. They might spend twenty thousand dollars on their solar panels. There are business buildings that might actually have lower energy needs than some households. Other business buildings will have much higher solar energy needs.

A medium-sized business will often need a solar system that can generate 14 kW. This is almost three times the size of the system a household will need. A micro business might spend even less than homeowners on solar energy. A very large business might need twice as much energy as a medium business.

Some businesses will spend as much as forty thousand dollars on their solar panels even with the tax credits and other discounts. However, this might not be the case for some smaller businesses and businesses that are found in sunny locations.

Calculating Solar Energy Needs: Are solar panels worth it?

EnergySage and many other services have calculators that people can use in order to estimate the amount of solar energy they are ultimately going to need. These calculators will simplify the process for business owners and homeowners substantially.

In order to accurately calculate the cost of the solar panels that they will need, people need to know how many hours of sunlight they will get per day on average in their areas, their typical energy usage, and the amount of electricity that the solar panels in question can generate.

The fact that solar panels generate DC and people need AC also means that around twenty percent of the power is lost, since this process is not completely efficient. Using solar energy calculators allows people to take into account all of those factors at once.

It is possible to do these calculations manually. However, this means that people will need to know all of the figures involved, and they will need to know how much sunlight their home gets on average. Most solar energy calculators will ask people to enter in their addresses, and the system will be able to estimate the amount of sunlight that people will typically get based on their location. This is a step that is difficult for people to perform on their own otherwise.

Suniva Solar Panels

Suniva solar panels are very effective in general. They have long product warranties attached. Many of them will use high-quality and advanced technology, including an anodized aluminum frame. The costs associated with Suniva solar panels will always vary. It’s difficult to generalize about the price. However, the fact that these solar panels have a great performance and can generate more than 250 watts of peak power means that they should cost less than many others in practice.

SolarWorld solar panels 

SolarWorld is known for having a lot of solar panels that give a great performance. Their design is more stylish than what people will find with a lot of other solar panels. It’s also easier to install them than it is to install a lot of other solar panels on the market. People will need quotes in order to really determine the associated costs with SolarWorld panels. However, this is another service that will tend to offer cells that have a high performance. As such, the costs will often be lower as well.

LG solar panels

The energy output and efficient standards for LG solar panels are very high, and most people should have high hopes for them in general. The power that people can get with LG solar panels should be long-lasting. The warranties for LG solar panels are also extensive. This company has a wide range of different products, making it easier for a lot of people to find what they need. LG also has its own convenient calculators on hand that will help people understand exactly how much they can expect to pay if they decide to use LG solar panels.

Conclusion

People who have very low energy needs will almost certainly find that solar panels are worth it. As always, it is important to remember that once people install solar panels, they will continue generating energy that will eventually pay for itself. People who pay for the entire cost of the solar panels will get energy that has no additional costs from that point onward. Some people who use a lot of energy will pay off their solar panels in only seven years. In the case of businesses that use a lot of energy, this can potentially happen very quickly.

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Different ways of comparing solar prices online

Saving money on the utility bills is not a luxury, but a necessity for many homeowners all over the U.S. Since the prices of energy have skyrocketed over the years, it is not uncommon for homeowners and their families to look for different ways to control electricity costs. Fortunately, there is a wide range of options that people have access to today. One of the most notable does not only involve turning down the thermostat to save on electric, but involves making an investment into their future. This investment relates to choosing Solar panels for the home and business offices, and it is not a trend that people expect to go away. However, it is essential in many areas of the country, specifically by those that have already learned about the positive impact of installing them in the home as well as in the business office. Either way, before any homeowner decides to jump in and pay the higher cost of installing solar panels, it is good that everyone does their research first. Specifically, when it comes down to looking for the best ways to compare solar price online and in retail establishments today.

Average Solar Panel Prices – What does it cost in the U.S.

Even though most homeowners and their family may be familiar with the proposed savings in the cost of utility bills each month, they may need to do a little more research to understand how much solar panels actually cost to install. Typically, the prices may change from one year to the next, based on several different factors including the total number of incentives provided to the homeowner when they are installed. For instance, in the year 2017, most homeowners have been paying an average amount of $2.87 to $3.85 per wattage. This amount is required for those who want to install the solar panels while they can take advantage of tax credits. So, it is good to know and understand solar panel cost and how they are derived, specifically since they can range as high $16,800 each year when solar panels have been installed.

In addition to identifying the cost of the average wattage, the homeowner can also factor in the size too. This is because the size of these systems can easily range from small to large. This is an essential for the homeowner to know the distinctions in wattage requirements prior to installing solar panels. For instance, some homeowner may pay a cost of $15,000 in order to obtain a solar energy system that is 6K watts in size. On the other hand, if the owner of the home is expecting to purchase a system that is 10KW, the amount charged for this kind of system is about $25,000. Meaning the type of solar prices quoted can vary significantly based on a number of different factors including where the solar panels will be installed and how much solar energy is really needed to power them sufficiently.

Are Solar Panels Worth it?

When a homeowner is researching the actual cost of solar panels and its installation, there are quite a few questions that people normally ask. One of the more commonly known is usually, are solar panels worth it? Typically, at the end of the day, the answer to these questions can differ based on a myriad of circumstances. Specifically, when the geographical location is perfect for installing this kind of alternative energy savings solution. For instance, there are charts available online that does a breakdown of all of the states and how solar energy affects its energy savings level. While some of the states are prime target areas for generating a lot of extra power via the use of the sun’s natural energy, others are not the perfect spots at all. Also, the area in which a person lives is also a factor on how much energy is being used and how expensive it is to live there. Either way, people who live in Florida and the District of Columbia can benefit greatly from solar panel installations since the cost that they pay each month is very high in price range. On the other hand, if the person is living in Mississippi or North Dakota, the rates are not as high.

Online Tools and Comparing Prices for Solar Panels

It is also important to note that not all solar panels are the same. In fact, there are many different types, styles, manufacturers and models available on the market today. In fact, to assist homeowners with drilling through and understanding the associated differences along with the pricing, there are some great online tools that will allow each consumer to compare pricing.

Some of these tools will allow the user to compare solar panels by the different size groups and models. When making these distinctions, consumers will have a chance to see the actual differences between their STC and PTC power ratings, peak efficiency, the number of cells included, nominal voltage, length, width, depth, weight, installation methods, warranties and the like. All of which can make a significant difference in its features and the price ranges that the buyer can expect to pay for its overall cost and the installation. To find the best tools online, some of the professionals in the industry may recommend looking at solar panel reviews to gather as much information about these products as possible.

When any homeowner is looking to invest in solar panels for their home, they may find that there is quite a bit of information online that can assist them with making an informed decision. Part of this information usually entails reviewing the average cost of solar panels in the U.S, why solar panels are worth it or why they may not be the best deal for the state that the person resides in and how to find the best prices via the use of online tools that helps with comparing solar panel pricing.

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Solar panel reviews: Is solar power worth it?

Solar power is fast gaining popularity in many households in most countries around the world. The reason behind this growth is that governments have promoted the efforts of most households and firms using sun power as green energy, by introducing incentives such as eliminating taxes on the equipment.

However, most studies continue to mention that there is a general lack of information about solar and that’s why this blog: “Swichingtosolarpv.com” is useful and provides relevant information that most solar considerers may be looking to decide about solar. This blog promotes online solar tools that can help to decide whether solar is right for you based on your specific solar potential and roofing design. Click here to learn more about these online solar tools.

In this specific blog, solar panel reviews of different solar panels brands is provided as well as where you can obtain these solar panels. To start, let us see how solar panels work and try to answer a common question: Is solar power worth it?

Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Kit

 How do solar panels work?

A solar panel has two sheets of semiconducting material that are silicon cells. When a photon of light or sunray hit the two layers, it prompts an electron to jump between them. The vibrations of these electrons produce some energy and then tapped by attaching electrodes to the two layers. The connected wires end up transferring energy, which ends up as electricity.

Is Solar Power Worth It?

One of the most common questions asked about solar panels include: “Is solar power worth it?” We can answer this question in some angles and to kick us off is that it depends on various unique needs surrounding your home or business. From lighting to running your equipment and gadgets, solar energy will save you money that could have otherwise gone to settling your utility bills.

Secondly, solar power the initial installation of sun power in the USA could range anywhere between USD 15,000- 30,000 without tax credits. The power is a sound financial decision, saving the public’s health, climate, and environment as solar is a cheaper option compared to fossil fuel.

Finally yet fundamental, is that solar offers energy reliability and independence. Everyone knows the sun will continue to rise and you need not worry of exhausting any reserves in the decades to come.

Solar Panel Reviews

Below are solar panel reviews of some examples of solar brands in the market:

  1. Ameresco Solar

Ameresco Solar is a leader in remote power products supplying ten high-quality solar panels to markets. The over 100 products use the polycrystalline technology, offering a wattage of between 140-200 Watts. The products come with an extended warranty of over ten years for both residential and commercial solar power systems. The manufacturer is based in the US.

To learn more about these brand of solar panels; Click here for Solar Power Information, Products, and Videos!

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  1. BP Solar Panels

The British Petroleum Company or BP offers decent panels most of them providing a wattage of between 220-285 Watts. The manufacturers have incorporated the polycrystalline module in the more than ten models under its name. BP solar panel enjoys a warranty of 10 years, guaranteeing users of 25 years of service on each of the panels. Their panels are manufactured in India, China and the US.

To learn more about these brand of solar panels; Click here for Solar Power Information, Products, and Videos!

  1. Canadian Solar Panels

Canadian Solar based in Canada is among the leading solar manufacturers, producing highly efficient solar cells, solar modules, sun power systems not mentioning the off-grid solar power application solutions. It has over 11 solar PV models, each offering an output of between 210 and 260 Watts. The panels are made of monocrystalline technology, whose efficiency ranges between 15.4 -16.3 percent. The products’ warranty is ten years, covering for poor material and artistry.

To learn more about these brand of solar panels; Click here for Solar Power Information, Products, and Videos!

  1. ET Solar

ET Solar is a smart solar energy maker, offering highly successful solar systems. The maker incorporates the polycrystalline cell efficiency technology in its ten models. The wattage ranges between 305-320 Watts, a ten years warranty and 25 years of services on their products.

To learn more about these brand of solar panels Click here for Solar Power Information, Products, and Videos!

  1. Powerfilm

Powerfilm has positioned itself global manufacturer of thin-film solar products and modules. The US-based maker utilises proprietary technology platform, allowing for the production of low-cost solar modules on a high volume basis. The maker also warrants their products for one year, free from defects in materials and artistry.

To learn more about these brand of solar panels Click here for Solar Power Information, Products, and Videos!

  1. Power-up BSP Solar Panels

Power Up is a renowned manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) products thanks to 20 years of experience in the solar industry. The modules offer a wattage of between 1-40 Watts, suiting many applications. The maker supports its OEM panels with a five-year warranty.

To learn more about these brand of solar panels; Click here for Solar Power Information, Products, and Videos!

  1. Sharp Solar Panels

Sharp Solar is a committed solar solutions maker, boasting of six models made of polycrystalline material. The products offer an average efficiency of between 14.4-15.5 percent, with a warranty of 10 years. The maker guarantees a performance of the solar panels for the age of 25, and in the end, the power output falling to 80%. Sharp Solar Panels are made in the US and Japan but supplied in Canada among other countries.

To learn more about these brand of solar panels; Click here for Solar Power Information, Products, and Videos!

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  1. Solar Land

Solar Land is a US-based solar maker, boasting of the two SLP Series panel that offers a wattage of between 3-40 Watts. All panels the feature high-efficient cells, each covered by our 25-year warranty by the manufacturer.

To learn more about these brand of solar panels; Click here for Solar Power Information, Products, and Videos!

  1. Solartech Solar Panels

Solartech is the maker of the photovoltaic panels that use the efficient polycrystalline technology. The maker has nine products, offering a wattage of between 45-140 Watts. The products come with 20 years of guaranteed service. Solartech is based in England.

Click here for Solar Power Information, Products, and Videos!

  1. Solar World Solar Panels

Solar World is a renowned solar pioneer in the U.S and Canadian markets. SolarWorld has six models made of monocrystalline and polycrystalline technology. Its products’ efficiency ranges between 13.12–16.7 percent, offering a warranty of 10 years. The products enjoy a lifespan of 30 years with power output dropping to 86.5 percent after this period.

To learn more about these brand of solar panels; Click here for Solar Power Information, Products, and Videos!

  1. Suntech Solar Panels

Suntech Solar develops and manufactures the most reliable and cost-effective solar energy solutions today. The maker has four models offering a wattage of between 240-305 Watts, using the monocrystalline and polycrystalline technology. The products enjoy a 10-year warranty, guaranteed lifespan of 25 years with power output dropping to 80.2 percent after this period. The solar panels maker is based in China, Japan and the USA.

To learn more about these brand of solar panels; Click here for Solar Power Information, Products, and Videos!

  1. Yingli Solar Panels

Yingli Solar Panels is one of the world’s best solar (photovoltaic) panel manufacturers headquartered in China but with branches across many parts of the world. It boasts of up to six models of both mono crystalline and multi crystalline solar panels, of between 315-340 Watts. The products come with a warranty of 25 years, guaranteed 25 years of service with the power dropping to 80.20 percent after this period.

To learn more about these brand of solar panels; Click here for Solar Power Information, Products, and Videos!

  1. Trina Solar

Trina Solar provides smart, clean and reliable energy solutions to homes and businesses worldwide. It produces five models of both mono and multi-crystalline solar panels. The maker guarantees an output that is above the nameplate wattage, 250-270 Watts, with each module coming with a 10-year warranty and 25 or 30 years linear power output guarantee. After this period, the power falls to 80.20 percent.

To learn more about these brand of solar panels; Click here for Solar Power Information, Products, and Videos!

  1. SunPower Solar Panels

SunPower has high performing solar power systems but with three models made of monocrystalline technology. The products offer an average efficiency of between 20.4-21.5 percent. SunPower offers a 25 years warranty, guaranteed 25-year performance with the power output of their solar panels dropping to 87% after this period. Their solar panels designed in the USA.

To learn more about these brand of solar panels; Click here for Solar Power Information, Products, and Videos!