Did you know that one hour of sunlight can equal a whole year of energy for the planet? That means solar energy provides more energy output than other energy sources such as gas and coal. But despite the efficiency of solar energy, many people are skeptical of using solar energy because of its unknown costs. What might surprise you, though, is how cheap solar energy is. In this article, we’ll explore how much is a solar panel and answer the question of “does solar energy save money?”
Benefits of Solar Energy
Recent findings in solar energy have uncovered that the sun has many more benefits for energy than we previously had believed. Some common thought patterns revolving around solar energy have confused whether solar energy is even useful.
But to clear things up, solar energy is one of the most useful sources of energy that comes with many benefits. Listed below are just a few:
- Renewable source of energy: We’ll probably never run out of the sun
- Cheap and affordable after panels are installed
- It saves the environment from carbon dioxide
- Solar panels produce no pollution
- Creates job opportunities
How Much Is a Solar Panel?
As mentioned earlier, the solar price is pretty low. This one comes as a surprise to many since research around solar energy in the past proved it to be an expensive energy source. But technology has evolved, and now the solar cost is much cheaper. In fact, solar energy became the cheapest source of renewable energy in 2017. Now the price for installing solar panels usually only depends on two factors. One is the labor cost, and the other is the hardware cost (includes the weight). The hardware price is further determined by looking
to lease the panels or buy them at full price. A 2kW solar panels system starts at around $4,159 after tax credits, and an 8kW solar panels system averages at about $16,000 after tax credits. The size and efficiency of your desired solar panels heavily influence their overall cost. What state you are in also affects the price of solar panels. Be sure to check the price here at https://blueravensolar.com/blog/price-of-solar-panels/.
Solar Maintenance Cost
While the cost of installing solar panels might seem daunting, they lead to you saving money in the end. Solar energy savings are just one more benefit of using solar energy. On average, solar energy can save you about $2,000 per year on energy costs. However, this amount is affected by how much energy you use and the overall sun exposure in your area. Consult a technician beforehand to see if the switch would be worth it for you. Maintenance is also something to keep in mind when considering the cost of solar panels. Since the panels are located outside, they are subject to damage and wear-and-tear. Maintaining the panels includes cleaning them, replacing broken cells, and scheduling maintenance checkups. If maintained properly, solar panels can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years.
More About Solar Panels
If you’re still considering how much is a solar panel, we urge you to talk with an expert in your area. Switching to solar energy can save you tons of money if your household uses consistent amounts of energy. Alongside that, solar energy is highly renewable and better for the environment. You can learn more about solar energy in our tech section.
