Energy and cost savings of solar panels?

Question

How much do most household solar panels cost and how much time to break-even?

Is there a good website that offer this kind of info?

I really want to know how many years to break-even and if they are going to need repair maintenance after those years.

Answer 1

Solar panels is one of the most ideal renewable energy systems to use as it requires little in maintenance. Also it is modular so you can start with a small system and add on as is needed.  I found a really helpful guide to easily build your own solar power system for under $200:

http://renewenergysolutions.blogspot.com...

I wanted to save on my electricity bills but at the same time didn't want to put a big investment upfront, even though it does pay off in the long run, so I chose to build it myself and happy that I did as I saved all around.

Answer 2

Barney was doing great until he started mis-quoting the facts (starting with "no less than 20").

On average a typical Colorado (again Barney was right depending on where you live) household, needs to spend about 24K to get a system that will zero out your monthly bill and give you $300 at the end of the year.  In Colorado for example, excel (electric company mandated to achieve 20% energy from renewables) will refund you 65% of that cost and the federal government is currently offering a 2K rebate.  Thus your cost would be only about 6500 dollers.  Also most banks are now starting to give special home equety loans for energy improvements.

Answer 3

The quickest way to break even with a solar powered system for your home is to buy and install all the equipment yourself.  It is not that bad if you are handy around the house or like to work on cars.  Check out http://www.monofuel.com for plans and advice.

Answer 4

It all depends on your goal. Reduction of your utility bill or eliminate it entirely. The size of your property and the amount of power you use, and the area in which you live. The really efficient solar panels are relatively new as well as the technology behind them. They are the ones that use polymer films to create the electrical current. They are also the Rolls Royce of solar panels thus far. Hugely expensive! Passive solar panels and the ones that are made from silicon are cheaper to purchase but are less efficient. In short irregardless of the type you choose to use it will take you years and years for them to pay for themselves. No less than 20. Unless you have thousands of dollars (any where from $40K to $120K and up) to buy enough to get you totally of the electrical grid you will never break even. That's why Larry Hagman's entire property is filled with solar panels.

Answer 5

Each installation is different. I agree that it depends on your location and goal. There are too many factors to consider to make an accurate general estimate. The amount of daylight, the orientation of the installation site, any shade factors (trees, other builidings chimneys etc., the amount of electricity you use, current electricity rates etc. can effect the type of system you will want and the amount of time it is paid off with savings.

I personally am getting my system installed in a few weeks I live in a great climate with good southeast exposure. My system will cut my electricity by at least 35% up to 50%. I will be getting 18 panels. I am getting a $10K rebate from my utility, so my out of pocket expense is $12K, and I'll recieve a $2K federal tax credit, the system should pay for itself in less than 6 years. My panels are guaranteed for 20 years and the converter is expected to last about 15, it will cost a couple thousand to replace. Maintenance is washing or sweeping the dust off in summer. My system will be connected to the utility and when I produce more than I use my meter will run backwards.

I can double dip into my rebate program, so in a few years I will be adding to my system and zeroing out my electric bill totally. Since I plan on living in my home forever, I will be retireing with no mortgage or electric bill.

My advice is contact a solar contractor and have them give you a no cost, no obligation quote. I got 3 quotes and they were very similar in price. All companies were able to give me rebate and tax credit information, estimated electricity production for various sizes and pricing. Make sure you are dealing with a licensed contractor and check them out with your states contractor license board and the better business bureau.

For the record the reason Larry Hagman has so many solar panels is he is not only producing all the electricity for his huge estate, but provides electricity for a couple low income houses as well.