Are Solar Panels Really Worth It
A payback period is the amount of time it takes to earn back your initial investment. Solar panels can help you save enough money on energy bills over time to offset the upfront costs. How much you save per month depends on the size of your solar system, your home’s energy consumption and other factors.
Calculating the payback period will be unique to your circumstances due to the variability of the upfront costs, as well as the difference in energy costs based on your location. But here are some guidelines to help you estimate when you will break even.
So Are Solar Panels Worth It For Your Home
As you can see, there are many factors that go into determining if solar panels are worth it for your home. The return on a solar investment depends on where you live, your roofs features, your electric rates, and who installs your panels.
The easiest way to answer the question are solar panels worth it? is to use our solar calculator to get an accurate cost and savings estimate tailored to your home and energy usage.
Then you can be on your way to powering your home with clean energy – all while cutting your electric bill.
Find out how much will a solar system cost you after federal, state, and local incentives in 2021
Energy Storage For Power Access During Blackouts
At $700-$1,000 per kWh installed, solar energy storage is not cheap, but a solar battery can help increase the overall value of your home solar system , delivering uninterrupted power even during blackouts or at night.
If uninterrupted power during blackouts is a key consideration think power outage blackouts in California and Texas, then a PV solar and a battery combo may be worth the higher upfront cost of investment.
Pro Tip: Another option is to allocate a smaller investment to an emergency backup solar power generator, which can be purchased for $250-$2,000, depending on the model.
Also Check: How Often Should A Roof Be Replaced
Tesla Solar Roof Review From Owner After 3 Months Shows Incredible Results
A family who has had a Tesla Solar Roof for the last 3 months has released a fun video review that shows some impressive results.
The Neumann family from Northern California are early adopters of the Tesla Solar Roof.
Their Tesla Solar Roof with Powerwalls cost $83,000 before incentives.
They calculate that the solar installation saved them over $400 during the first 3 months of operation.
It is pretty impressive to see how it affected their electricity bills over time after the system activation:
In term of the overall experience, its fairly good news. They only had a single issue with the Powerwalls a few days after the system was turned on and Tesla quickly fixed it.
Therefore, the review is mostly about their experience using the system over the last 3 months. Heres their video:
Here are a few highlights from the report:
Between the solar roof and Powerwall, the household has been virtually operating off-grid most days. The only time they had to significantly pull electricity from the grid was when they had a heatwave and were running their AC a lot :
I also found it interesting how she explained that the household changed some habits since they have had the Tesla Solar Roof.
For example, they started doing some of the more energy-intensive tasks during the peak solar hours instead of doing them at night.
They also had a power outage and she said they wouldnt have noticed if it wasnt for the Tesla app notification:
How Long Do Solar Panels Last
As you think about the initial startup investment in solar panels, another question to consider is system longevity. After you buy solar panels, how long do they last? Will they function long enough for you to get your moneys worth?
Again, the answer can vary slightly depending on the specific type of solar panels you choose. As a rule of thumb, however, most residential solar systems last between 20 and 30 years and require minimal maintenance and upkeep. Most of the best solar panels come backed with strong warranties, ensuring your system produces as expected for at least two decades. Of course, when purchasing a solar panel system, youll want to take a close look at the warranty information offered.
The longevity of your system is also important, as solar adds to the value of your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buyers nationwide have been willing to pay an average premium of about $15,000 for a home with a solar array. In many cases, that alone can cover most of all of your solar investment.
Recommended Reading: Skylight Installation Metal Roof
Estimate How Long It Will Take To Pay Off Your Solar Panels
First, multiply your solar panel cost by 0.26, which is the tax credit you receive for installing your system. If you spend $20,000 on it initially, your tax credit is $5,200. That takes your initial investment down to $14,800.
Now, let’s factor in energy savings. Divide your initial investment by the $1,500 you typically pay the electric company per year that’s how long it’ll take for your savings to equal the amount you spend. Using the example above, you’d divide your initial investment of $14,800 by $1,500: The result is a payback period of just under 10 years.
That might seem like a long time on the surface, but solar panels can easily last 25 years.
You can further expedite your payback period by selling renewable energy certificates, or RECs. These are measured in megawatt hours of electricity that come from a renewable source. Electric companies must purchase some electricity from renewable sources, meaning you could save more by selling energy generated by your solar panels.
Bring your home up to speed with the latest on automation, security, utilities, networking and more.
Are Solar Roof Tiles For You
The Tesla Solar Roof is an option for homeowners who are concerned about the aesthetics of their rooftop because the tiles look like a traditional rooftop. The tiles do come with a high price tag, though, and will make a Tesla Solar Roof cost prohibitive for many homeowners. Solar panels are still a reliable, tested, and durable option for homeowners who are looking for a great return on investment.
Also Check: How Much Is A New Roof In California
How Much Is Your Energy Bill
Knowing how much you pay for energy is the first step in evaluating whether your house is a good candidate for solar. The main question is, will it save you money? In some areas, electricity is very inexpensive. For most homeowners, the electricity bill is a dreaded monthly expense. The general rule is that solar makes the most financial sense for someone with a monthly electricity bill of at least $75. Why? Because going solar replaces utility energy with solar energy, and we want our customers to see a return on that investment by paying less for that energy. A utility bill of $75 is the threshold at which residential solar customers will see solar savings. There are several ways to go solar, depending on a customer’s needs and goals. SunPower offers zero-down lease, loan and cash purchase options each with different benefits. Ask your local solar expert about local and federal incentives and electricity policies where you live.
The overall idea is to pay less than you currently pay, lock in your electricity rate and save money by generating your own clean energy onsite.
Solar Panel Costs And Other Factors To Consider
Lindsay VanSomeren is a credit card, banking, and credit expert whose articles provide readers with in-depth research and actionable takeaways that can help consumers make sound decisions about financial products. Her work has appeared on prominent financial sites such as Forbes Advisor and Northwestern Mutual.
Solar panels seem to be popping up on everyones roofs these days. But are solar panels really worth it? Most people can see a financial and environmental benefit from solar panels, but the real answer to whether or not its worth it is: it depends.
Whether solar panels will work for your lifestyle depends on a lot of factors, such as how much sun your roof gets, how much electricity you use, whether you can get any tax credits for your solar setup, and more. Well give you the rundown of what factors to consider as well as how to easily calculate for yourself whether solar panels are worth it for you.
Read Also: How Much Shingle Roof Cost
How Effective Are Solar Roof Vents
Solar roof vents are more effective than wind powered turbines as their fans are powered by electricity generated by solar power. On the other hand, given that they require solar power to operate, some units function less effectively during overcast days and cold weather.
While being environmentally friendly, solar power roof vents are typically less powerful and effective than mechanical roof vents.
Is Tesla’s Solar Roof Worth The Price And Hype Should I Make The Switch
For all we know, Tesla is a very successful electric car company, but it seems like that success isn’t rubbing off on their solar roof production as much as it should. Undoubtedly, their solar shingles are modernized solar panels and far more good-looking than traditional solar panels, but their efficiency is still widely in doubt. Probably because they’ve not been in the market long enough, people find it hard to believe the long-term features of this glass tile. Recent findings have shown that Tesla’s customer service is quite appalling, and if you intend to go solar with a warranty of 25 years, then you’d probably choose a company that would be at your beck and call. Because Tesla is a big company, they find it challenging to keep up with their numerous customers. If you can’t get quality attention when there’s a fault, you risk losing out on such a considerable investment.
While considering the energy-efficient option for your roofing system, always remember that it takes a professional roofer to give you a roofing system that will stand the test of time. To get the best services while installing solar panels or solar shingles, call or visit Royal Renovators today at 118-35 Queens Blvd Forest Hills, NY 11375 414-6067 .
Also Check: Hydrostop Premium Coat System
Comparing The Cost Of Solar Pool Heating Systems
You can estimate and compare the costs of using different solar collector models before you buy using the method below.
First, obtain the following information:
- Collectors thermal performance rating
- Total number of collector panels or piping for the area needed to heat your pool
- The total installed cost of the system
Then, calculate the collectors energy output per dollar invested using this formula:
÷ total installed cost of system = Btu per day per dollar spent
Example
Btu ÷ $4,000 = 28 Btu/day per dollar spent
If you only know the prices and thermal performance ratings of the solar collectors, use this formula for the different collectors:
Btu/day ÷ collector price = Btu/day per dollar spent
Example
21,000 Btu ÷ $400 = 52.5 Btu/day per dollar spent
When choosing a solar pool heater, it is important to consider all of the factors involved in the systems sizing and quality of the design and installation aside from just the installation cost.
What If The Power Goes Out
You might think that owning a solar system would ensure 24/7 access to electric power even when the grid goes down from hurricanes or other disasters or accidents. But thats not the case. In those events, you have to rely on a generator or buy a battery backup for your solar system.
And while the cost of solar panels has dropped more than 70% since 2010, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, batteries can cost as much as $10,000 to $15,000, including installation, according to Solar United Neighbors. Adding battery storage to a solar array can increase costs so much that the savings seen on utility bills are negligible, the groups website warns.
For those who want the peace of mind and can afford the cost, batteries may be a viable option. They work like this: When the sun is shining, your panels produce electricity that you direct to the battery, where its stored until you need it. Unlike a generator, no fuel is needed.
Were going to keep trying to reduce that carbon footprint and power ourselves, she says.
Susan Jacobson is a former editor at The Penny Hoarder.
Read Also: Overhang Extension
What Are The Usual Terms In A Solar Leasing Program
No two solar leases are the same but there are some common traits that you should expect to find.
Solar lease contracts are typically 20 to 25 years long . When you sign a contract, the company will send a developer to install the solar panel system on your roof and set you up with a monitoring app .
Your monthly price and the price escalator will be stated in your contract. Price escalator is added to the contract to account for the rising cost of electricity each year your lease payment will be slightly higher .
You must pay your solar lease until the end of term if you decide to exit early, you might have the pay the company out or be asked to buy the panels at a fair market value.
Solar Attic Fans Draw Cool Air Up Through The Ceiling Of Your House
One drawback of solar attic fans is that you need an airtight seal between your home and your attic to avoid the fan drawing cool air from your house up through gaps in the ceiling into the attic.
This would cause a problem since one of the main arguments for having a solar attic fan is to reduce the workload on your air conditioning. If it turns out that your aircon is cooling air that is then drawn into your attic, then the systems achieving the opposite of what you want.
Read Also: How To Build An Overhang
Cannot Afford A Battery Pack And No Backup Power Generator In An Area With Frequent Blackouts
If you live in an area that experiences frequent blackouts and you cannot afford a power generator or a battery, then dont expect solar panels to generate any power during blackouts. If you must have electrical power even during blackouts, then you will need to provision some extra cash for a battery storage or home power generator which may or may not currently be within your budget.
Another option is to allocate a smaller investment to an emergency backup solar power generator, which can be purchased for $250-$2,000, depending on the model.
Not providing electricity during blackouts is one of the known cons of solar panels that are not coupled with an energy storage battery.
Tip: Learn more about pros and cons of solar panels here.
What Is The Tesla Solar Roof And How Does It Work
The Tesla solar roof combines traditional shingles and the functionality of solar panels into one product so homeowners dont have to worry about sacrificing the look of their home in order to install solar.
So when you install the solar roof, you arent just installing something on your roof that will produce electricity , you are installing an entirely new roof thats made up of two kinds of Tesla-branded shingles: active shingles and inactive shingles.
Solar electricity is produced by the active shingles. They contain solar cells, like the ones found in traditional panels do . The rest of the roof is covered by inactive shingles that do not generate electricity. Instead, they act just like regular shingles and protect your roof. They look just like the active shingles, so you cant tell that theres any solar on your roof.
Read Also: What Kind Of Solar System Do I Need
Also Check: Skylight For Metal Roof
Are The Tesla Solar Roof Tiles Worth It
Since Tesla raised their prices, installing a Tesla solar roof is now much more expensive than it has been in recent years. It really only makes sense to install the Tesla solar roof if you really want to have the Tesla product or youre really in love with the solar roof aesthetic. Otherwise, it doesnt really pan out financially because the solar roof doesnt produce nearly as much electricity as regular solar panels.
If youre looking for a way to save the most on your electric bills, youre much better off going with a traditional solar panel installation. Even if you also have to replace your roof, youll end up spending less by going with a conventional roof replacement and solar installation, and youll get better savings out of the solar panels.
You should also keep Teslas reputation in mind if youre considering the solar roof. While they are extremely popular for their electric cars, the historically low customer reviews for Tesla Energy suggest their after-sales customer service isnt the best.
In fact, it took almost two years from when the solar shingles were announced to when the first ones were installed, and theres no official count of how many solar roofs are currently out there.
Before you jump into ordering their solar roof product, you should get multiple quotes from solar installers in your area to make sure youre getting the best price and quality for your solar panel installation.
Will I Save Money With Teslas Solar Roof
A lot of variables are involved. But theres a handy calculator on the Tesla site where you can enter your address to find out how many dollars worth of energy your Solar Roof will generate over 30 years . A chart deducts the estimated cost of your Solar Roof, including materials and installation, and the Powerwall battery, which stores electricity generated by the roof during the day . The chart then factors in the current 30 percent Solar Investment Tax Credit to end up with the Net earned over 30 years.
To determine what percentage of your roof tiles needs to be solar, the calculator considers the size of your roof and the average amount of sunlight your neighborhood gets. You can even customize the calculations by entering the average amount of your monthly electric bill so the calculator can take your power usage into consideration.
As for that federal tax credit for residential solar installations, the clock is ticking: The tax credit is being phased out, dropping to 26 percent in 2020, 22 percent in 2021, and zero after that.
Also Check: How Much Is A Shingle Roof Per Square Foot
