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Residential Solar Power Information

Residential solar power has grown as a means to get power and lessen use of environmentally harmful power sources. Residential systems are expensive, but prices have dropped significantly since 1998. Proper placement of panels will maximize power output.

  1. Cost

    • Cost is the biggest consideration of a home system. A typical home rooftop panel system costs between $20,000 and $30,000 to install. Electrical output can take 10 to 15 years to pay for itself. However, there are many state and federal tax incentives that can lower the cost of installation and financing.

    Location

    • The advantages of a solar panel system vary by geographic location. Some areas, such as Seattle, are very cloudy. That cuts the amount of solar exposure and panel output. Areas that are sunny year-round, such as the Southwestern United States, do better.

    Installation and Maximizing Power

    • Consideration must be given to where the most sunlight hits. Trees and tall buildings can cast shadows on panels, reducing the amount of power they take in. Removing an obstruction, such as a tree, must be weighed against other costs, such as the increased cost of air conditioning when the tree no longer shades the house.

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