Solar Panels: Manufacturers Continue to Make Better Product for Less
Traditionally, solar power has an expensive price tag. However, when it comes to today’s solar panels, manufacturers are making more efficient products and are offering them at a lower cost to consumers. In fact, prices for solar products have seen a very dramatic drop in the last three years.
A Comparison of Prices
On average, prices for solar panels have dropped about fifty percent from just a year ago. This means that the total cost to install a solar power panel on an average sized home has decreased from almost $40,000 to just under $20,000. However, don’t write out that check just yet. Many of the solar panel manufacturers are working with the government at the local, state, and federal level to provide rebates, tax breaks, and other incentives to help home and business owners implement this clean, renewable energy source.
Only Certain Products from Solar Panels Manufacturers Will Qualify
When it comes to the rebates and incentives, not all solar panels will qualify. You must install specific models from certain manufacturers. Why? Because the governments have determined that these are the most effective products, especially when it comes to going completely off the grid. It’s best to do a lot of research ahead of time to make sure you don’t spend your money on solar systems that don’t qualify. There are a number of resources online that list the qualified products. You can also speak with your tax professional to receive a list.
Calculating Solar Panel Costs for Your Home
There are a number of different solar panel calculators that can help you determine who many panels you’ll need based upon your current energy consumption. You will need to get an average of your energy use from your electric company. The solar panels manufacturers provide the rest of the necessary data in terms of how much energy each panel will put out. You can also find calculators that will help you determine the total costs of these panels.
However, if you’re ready to start the process of converting to solar power, then you should get several estimates from different companies. This will give you a better understanding of exactly what you are looking at in terms of cost.
Choosing the Right Panels
Solar panels manufacturers are not all the same. Some produce panels that consistent rank some of the highest in the world for efficiency. Most will offer a line of solar panels that are not as effective, but are lower priced. The top of the line products will give you more power, but at a higher cost.
Before you make sure purchase, you’ll also want to see what type of warranty the solar panels manufacturers offer with their products. In most cases, solar cells and panels come with at least a 25-year warranty. That’s a long time. However, that’s also why you want to choose a company that is reputable and experienced. If you do have problems with a panel, you want to make sure the company is still in existence.
Solar Panels Manufacturers Tips #1
If you aren’t able to place enough panels on your home to go completely off the grid, don’t worry. Aim for at least 40%, which will significantly lower your home’s electric bill.
Solar Panels Manufacturers Tip #2
There are a number of different solar products available, such as solar water heaters, pool heaters, and even those that power only one or two appliances. If you’re not sure you want to go solar, consider one of these options.
Solar Panels manufacturers Tip #3
There are also a number of applications for solar power for your transportation options. RV and marine panels can help ease your costs for fuel, but it also helps save a little bit more of our natural resources.
