How Much Does It Cost To Install Solar Panels In Maine?
To help you make the most informed decision about solar, we designed this free solar calculator. Input details like the exact location of the property, your current electrical usage, and information about your roof’s orientation, shade, and pitch to receive an estimated price and potential energy cost savings for your custom system.
What Type Of Solar Electric Systems Are Available?
The average system costs noted above are for a grid-tied, roof-mounted solar electric system. Grid-tied, rooftop solar systems are our most common type of solar electric system installed throughout Maine.
However, other solar system options are available, such as grid-tied, grid-tied battery backup, off-grid battery-based systems, and ground mounts. To ensure you get the information you need to make an informed decision about what type of solar system will work best for you, we have outlined the options available below.
These are the most common type of solar electric systems in Maine. With this system, your home can be powered by the sun when it is shining. You are still connected to your utility provider (often called the grid), so you still have power when sunlight is unavailable. Net Metering allows the electricity generated by your solar system to offset the electricity used from the grid during the night or on a cloudy day. This ensures that all of the electricity your system produces offsets your usage and ultimately your electric bill. However, if the grid goes down, your system will shut off, and you will lose power. Grid-tied systems are the less expensive option due to not needing batteries and other additional equipment.
Installing a grid-tied solar electric system is an excellent step towards energy independence. However, during a power outage, your system does not provide power. By pairing a grid-tied solar electric system with battery backup, you can bank the energy you produce for times when you need it, like when the grid goes down. Although whole-house backup is achievable, most grid-tied battery backup systems are designed only to power “critical” electrical loads. If you are thinking about going solar now but want to add batteries in the future, we can design your system to accommodate your future battery needs. These systems are more costly than grid-tied alone.
Many people like the idea of installing an off-grid solar system because of its independence. However, it could require a lifestyle change to reduce energy consumption as you cannot rely on the grid. These systems tend to be most popular in rural locations such as camps or where the nearest power line may be miles away. You will need batteries to store your energy, must monitor the battery health, and be aware that you have a finite amount of energy you can collect and store on a daily basis. These systems have special design and operation requirements making them more challenging to install and service than a more common grid-tied system. They also require more components and usually cost more. Maine Solar Solutions has a design and installation team experienced with off-grid solar systems if you would like to learn more.
Rooftop Solar Versus Ground Mounted Solar
There are two common types of solar panel installations for grid-tied solar systems: roof-mounted and ground-mounted.
Most of the solar electric systems installed in Maine feature rooftop solar arrays. But sometimes aesthetic concerns or heavily shaded roofs make consideration of a ground-mounted solar array advisable. Ground-mounted solar arrays typically cost between 15 – 25% more than rooftop solar arrays. The expense of ground anchors, racking, and trenching accounts for this higher cost. Although a ground-mounted solar array costs more than an equal-sized rooftop array, many of our customers have found that a ground-mounted array provides the best balance of cost, aesthetics, and value. Our experienced solar consultants can show you the relative costs of both options and help you determine what makes the most sense.
The Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar In Maine
This free resource is packed with answers to the most common questions we receive about solar energy installations in Maine.
What Factors Affect The Cost Of A Solar Electric System?
During your free solar site assessment, we gather information about your home that we use to design your system. We prepare a proposal based on your electricity usage and we show a couple of different solar panel options. Below is the information that we gather that helps us get you a fixed-cost system price.
- Electricity Usage:We review your electric bills and calculate the amount of electricity you use over the course of a year.
- Roof Information: People often ask, “Is my roof good for solar? Does my house face the right way for solar panels? What’s the ideal roof angle for solar?” To answer those questions our solar consultants will measure the angle or pitch of your roof and determine the orientation of your home towards the south. Roofs that face towards the southeast or southwest may require an additional panel or two to produce the same amount of power as a roof that faces directly south. People are often surprised to learn that even if their roof faces directly towards the east or west, annual solar production can still make installing a solar system an affordable investment.
- Shading Measurements: For electricity production, the more exposed your roof is to sunlight throughout the day, the better. Your roof does not need to have full sun all day to be a good candidate for solar, and a partially shaded roof may only require a few additional panels to match the production of an unshaded roof.
- Solar Panel Type:Solar panels account for the greatest equipment cost for a solar electric system. We offer several different solar panels to choose from. There are many solar panel manufacturers, and each manufacturer offers multiple solar panel models. Solar panels differ in size, wattage, efficiency, appearance, and warranty. Each of these specifications impacts the solar panel’s cost and factors into their relative value. Our customers find it helpful when we present a range of solar panel options and take the time to educate them about the differences in panel features, performance, cost, and value.
What Incentives Are Available For Installing Solar?
The primary incentive available to homeowners installing solar in Maine is the Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC). Solar electric systems installed between 2022 and 2032 qualify for a 30% federal tax credit. This tax credit is scheduled to fall to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. It is currently set to expire in 2035. There’s a lot of information about the ITC out there, so to help, we gathered answers to some commonly asked questions about the federal tax credit here.
What’s Included In My Solar Electric System Costs?
Once your system is designed, and you have chosen which solar panels and optional add-ons you would like to include in your system, we prepare a fixed-cost installation contract that includes all of the equipment and labor required to install a safe, code-compliant system. Your fixed-cost solar electric system includes the following:
EQUIPMENT
- Solar Panels
- Inverter system
- Power Optimizers
- System monitoring so that you can watch the entire array and each panel’s output information on your desktop or your phone
- Racking and roof attachment equipment
- Roof-specific attachment points
- Electrical components required for a safe, code-compliant installation
INSTALLATION
- Installation labor by Maine Solar Solutions qualified electricians and installers
- Maine Solar Solutions 10-year Workmanship warranty
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND PAPERWORK
- Assistance with all required paperwork, utility, and permitting
- Utility interconnection application fee
- Electric and building permits and associated fees
What Are The Additional Costs Involved To Go Solar?
During our site evaluation, we may determine that your electric service or breaker panel will need to be upgraded to accommodate the solar installation. Your solar proposal will detail the cost of any additional electrical work, and the final system cost will include these costs.
What Add-ons Or Options Are Available When Installing A Solar Electric System?
Battery Backup Systems:A grid-tied solar electric system will not provide backup power during a power outage. We offer battery systems for customers seeking to add a backup power source to their grid-tied solar electric system. The most popular battery backup system is the Telsa Powerwall. Battery systems are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit. If you’re curious about batteries, your solar consultant will review options with you. Even if you aren’t ready for batteries during your initial solar installation, your solar electric system can be designed to allow for the easy addition of batteries later.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers:With the growing popularity of electric cars, many of our solar customers are requesting the installation of an electric car charging station at their homes. Combining an electric vehicle with a solar electric system in your home allows you to fix the cost of operating your electric car and truly enables you to operate your EV as a carbon-free, renewable energy vehicle.
Is Going Solar A Good Return on Investment (ROI) In Maine?
Owning a solar electric system is one of the few investments that truly pays for itself in savings over time. A properly sized and designed solar electric system can eliminate nearly your entire annual electric bill. For most Maine homeowners, the solar electric system will pay for itself in as few as 7-10 years. Customers choosing to finance the purchase of their system may see longer payback times.
Once the system has paid for itself, a typical Maine solar system owner will only have to pay their fixed utility service charge – currently around 15 per month. Whether you pay for your solar system out of or choose to finance the purchase you have essentially fixed your cost of electricity and protected yourself from ever-increasing electricity price increases!
For someone in their 50’s, I looked at installing solar panels as saving for my 401K. Because when I am 70, who knows what the price of electricity will be. I am fixing the cost of most of my electricity for life!
– Cathy G., Gorham, ME
What Are The Ways To Pay For Solar Electric Systems?
Most customers choose between paying upfront for their solar electric system or financing the purchase and paying a monthly payment.
Direct Purchase: Choosing to pay for a solar electric system out of will give you the highest return on your investment. You’ll own your solar panels immediately and not have to pay any interest. Many of our customers have taken advantage of low-interest rates and increasing home values to pay for their solar systems with home equity loans or when refinancing their mortgages.
Solar Loans: Financing the purchase of a solar electric system allows you to fix your cost of electricity for the lifetime of your loan. Your fixed monthly payments may at first be higher than your monthly electric bill, but over time as electricity rates go up, your monthly payments will stay the same. Maine Solar Solutions offers solar financing through Mosaic. Mosaic offers no money down, low-interest rates, and a variety of term lengths with no prepayment penalties. Additional financing options may be available through your local bank or credit union.
Other Considerations
Cost should not be the only factor when choosing a solar installation company. A solar electric system will last more than 25 years; it’s important to consider a qualified, experienced company that will provide guidance and support throughout the entire system life span. From initial consult, through installation, with ongoing support and consultation, choose a company with a proven track record. Keep in mind that solar electric systems are installed to meet the requirements of the National Electric Code and as such need to be installed by licensed electricians and qualified technicians under their supervision.
Free Solar Site Assessment
Curious to see what a solar electric system would cost for your home?
At Maine Solar Solutions, our goal is to give you the information you need to make an informed decision. Schedule an informative, free, no-obligation solar consultation with one of our knowledgeable solar consultants today and begin your path towards energy independence.
Rooftop Solar
Solar energy in the United States has exploded over the past decade. In 2010, 667 megawatt (MW) was installed in homes. By 2020, this had increased by 27 times to over 18,061 MW.[1]At the same time, the cost of a residential solar system has come down to half of what it was, even before incentives are applied, and continues to drop. Rooftop solar has increasingly become an option for many households across the country. Many areas offer attractive Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) that, when coupled with federal and local incentives, can make rooftop solar an attractive financial choice that is also good for the environment.
Use this buying guidance to learn more about your options, how to ask the right questions of contractors, and to determine if rooftop solar is right for you.
Start with a home assessment to understand your home’s condition and eligibility.
If your roof needs renovations, it makes sense to replace it before installing solar panels to avoid having to remove and reinstall the panels at a later date. Make your roofing company aware that you will be installing solar panels and ask them if they will come back after they are installed to ensure the panels have not damaged the roof.
The direction and pitch of your roof are important. The amount of energy produced is impacted by how much sun the panels receive, so shadows, trees, other homes or buildings can impact your ability to maximize solar production. Google Project Sunroof is a tool that can address most of these concerns. This tool uses images from Google Earth and analyzes the roof shape to provide you with a personalized solar plan, taking local weather patterns into consideration. PVWatts is another tool from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which uses information you provide to help you determine if solar is right for you.
It is important to understand the regulations in your area (even down to whether the Homeowners Association has any guidelines surrounding the installation) and to know your electricity consumption (kWh) and rates.
Net Metering is an utility policy which allows consumers in some areas to receive a credit on their electricity bill by returning any unused solar electricity they generate back to the grid. Some states and service territories are compensating for excess electricity at rates lower than what a customer would typically pay for electricity. To maximize the financial benefits, it is recommended that the system is designed in accordance with your electricity usage to ensure optimal savings over time.
Buy or Lease? What is the best option for you?
The decision to buy or lease a solar system will depend on your finances, state laws and utility policies.
If you decide to buy a system, you:
- reap the benefits of the electricity produced;
- would be entitled to tax credits or other incentives;
- are responsible for system maintenance;
- can sell the system, if you move.
On the other hand, if you lease a system:
- the solar system company owns it and is responsible for its maintenance.
- You can enjoy cheaper electricity with very low or no upfront costs and monthly payments at agreed rates.
Before signing the lease, ask about your options in the event you decide to sell your property. Zillow has estimated that homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% more compared to homes that are not powered by solar power.[2]
Buying the solar panels directly could unlock additional dollars. First, if you purchase the system there are federal tax incentives through 2023. Your local area may have additional incentives in place to further reduce the cost of the system. Also, there are benefits through Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), that may be sold. The rates received from the RECs vary greatly by state so it is good idea to discuss with your solar provider on what those numbers are. Finally, there is also the electricity generated which will lower some or perhaps all of your electric bill depending on the month. Keep in mind that solar production will be dependent on the season so you should expect more production in the summer and less in the winter. The sum of these savings (tax incentives, RECs, and electricity generation) can be great. In 2016, Consumer Reports estimated that a New Jersey home which purchased a solar roof in cash could result in about 60,000 of savings over 20 years. If the family took out a loan for the entire project, there were still 20,000 in savings over the same 20 year period. [3]
If you lease solar panels, you generally pay the solar company a monthly rate and the solar company continues own the panels and provide maintenance. You can get the benefits of the electricity generation without the upfront cost. However, there are fewer direct financial benefits as customers in the leasing model do not have access to the RECs nor the tax credit and other state financial incentives. With that said, there are still benefits. In this case, Consumer Reports estimated the benefits from leasing to be at 25,000 in savings over 20 years.[4]
Questions to ask your solar provider when getting a proposal.
As with any large purchase, it pays to get multiple quotes. NREL recommends requesting multiple quotes. Remember that there is likely to have been someone else in your neighborhood that has installed solar on their home so check your neighborhood listserv for recommendations. As you obtain quotes from those solar providers, consider this list of questions to ask so that you can get a sense of their work quality and the financial benefit of the system.
- How many systems has the solar provider installed in the past year?
- What is the system size and total installation cost?
- How much electricity will the system generate over the course of a year and what will be the total approximate savings of the system?
- What upgrades does my home need? Would I need a new roof, updated wiring, clearing of trees updated utility interconnection?
- How will I be reimbursed for any excess electricity produced? Does my jurisdiction allow net metering?
- What does the warranty cover and who is responsible for maintenance and cleaning?
- Who is responsible for utility interconnection, permissions, and inspections?
- What happens if I decide to sell my home? What are the conditions for new occupant?
- Who should I contact if my system fails?
- What to do in the event of a blackout?
- If you are considering leasing as a model, consider:
- What is the length of the lease?
- What is the upfront cost and how much do I need to pay over time? The terms may be different depending on the provider so make sure to do the math on how it breaks out.
How to select a solar provider?
Once you have your quotes, it is important that you get the best deal and closely examine the underlying terms and conditions. Look for an installation company that is licensed, has credentials from a certified body, such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, and is insured. A good solar provider will offer you a variety of panels and inverters adhering to your aesthetic requirements with appropriate performance warranties. Have them walk you through the options and think about how the panels will look on your home so that you are happy with the result. Keep the warranty in mind. String inverters typically carry a 10-year warranty while micro-inverters can go all the way up to 25 years. Solar panels usually carry a 20-year warranty.
Make sure to compare the average wait time, scheduling, and project completion times for different providers. Lastly, the best provider will be completely transparent about savings, associated assumptions, system monitoring, maintenance and all the estimated costs. The Solar Energy Industry Association’s (SEIA) National Solar Database includes a list of manufacturers and installers across the United States.[5]
Solar Panel Cost
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Solar panels are a considerable investment—not just for the sake of your community and planet, but for your home’s value. Various factors influence how much a solar system costs. including the panels you choose, your home’s energy needs. and applicable state and federal tax incentives.
We have conducted in-depth research on the best solar companies in the United States and the industry overall. This guide breaks down the significant factors that influence what solar panels cost, as well as the national average for a solar energy system.
Compare Solar Companies
Available in 50 states Has been in the industry since 1985 Provides its own monocrystalline solar panels
Available in 23 states 25-year warranties for the product, labor, and inverter Power protection guarantee
25-year workmanship and product warranty Perks for new construction homeowners Available in 20 states
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Each State?
Solar panel costs can vary according to your state’s energy rates and access to solar technology. Check the table below to get an idea of what solar panels might cost you in your state.
This cost data was based on the national average from multiple sources including EnergySage, SolarReviews, and Ecowatch.
Solar Panel Cost Breakdown
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) estimates that the national average cost for a typical 6-kilowatt (kW, or 6,000 watts) residential rooftop solar system is roughly 18,000 before any federal tax credits or local incentives. Overall, you should expect to pay anywhere between 10,000 and 24,000, depending on your system size and location. The total cost of a solar system includes solar panel. which vary in price by brand and type, installation labor, and additional equipment. A solar installation company will charge a combination of labor costs and a price per watt for each solar panel. Based on a May 2019 report
Types of Solar Panels
- Monocrystalline: The most popular solar panel on the market today, monocrystalline panels offer the highest efficiency rate, at an average of 24%. However, they are also the most costly. The average cost for monocrystalline solar panels is 1 to 1.50 per watt. Therefore, a standard 6kW system costs between 6,000 and 9,000.
- Polycrystalline: Polycrystalline panels are a more cost-effective option up front. However, they feature a lower efficiency rate than mono panels, at an average of 20%. The average cost for polycrystalline solar panels is 0.90 to 1 per watt, or 5,400 to 6,000 total.
- Thin-film: Thin-film solar panels are less popular for residential solar systems. They tend to cost around 1 to 1.50 per watt.
Solar Panel Installation Cost
Installation costs range between 100% and 200% of the cost of the solar panel system itself. So, for example, if you purchase a 6kW monocrystalline solar panel system for 9,000, then a solar installation company will likely charge approximately 18,000 to 27,000 for the system and the installation, combined. The installation of a larger system will naturally increase labor costs.
Additional Equipment
Residential solar systems also typically require a battery to store energy and an inverter, which converts the variable direct current (DC) output of your PV solar panel s into alternating current (AC). Most solar companies will include these components in your solar system’s design. However, if you request specific brands of inverters or batteries, they may come at a premium.
Other Factors to Consider About Solar Panel Costs
In addition to the cost per watt for each solar panel, other factors influence the overall cost of a solar power system. We have listed some of the most critical factors for you below.
Energy Needs
Take note of your current cost of electricity. as switching to solar may or may not save you money on your energy costs. The larger your home and higher your monthly electric bill. the more benefits you are likely to see from switching to solar. A solar system can eliminate a homeowner ’s electricity bill in some instances.
On the other hand, if you already have relatively low utility bills. you may not see enough savings to justify the expense of installing a home solar system.
Location
The location of your home plays a vital role in how much money solar panels can save you. Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the data analysis site Stacker determined that the following 10 states are the sunniest in the continental United States:
Roof Type
You can use a solar panel system even if you don’t live in these blue-sky states. Most solar panel installers use photovoltaic (PV) panels, which can absorb both direct and indirect sunlight. However, these solar panels generate the most energy on angled roofs that allow maximum sun exposure. On the other hand, a flat roof will require the construction of angled platforms, which will add to your labor costs and increase the overall cost of your solar system installation.
Additionally, south-, west- or southwest-facing roofs get more sun exposure. For example, a home that experiences less shade and has a south-facing roof with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees will receive the most sunlight. Therefore, these homes receive and retain more solar energy. On the other hand, a home with trees around it or in a less sunny region, like the Pacific Northwest, may not save as much money as a homeowner in Arizona or California.
Your roof’s age and structural soundness will also influence the overall cost of solar panel installation. Repairing your roof or upgrading your roofing material to support panels will come at an additional expense ahead of installation and affect your total cost.
Solar Incentives
Both state and federal governments provide solar incentives to help offset the up-front costs of switching to solar. Namely, the federal solar tax credit, or solar investment tax credit ( ITC ), plays a significant role in helping to make residential solar panels a better investment. This tax credit provides 30% off your total price of solar panel installation.
Local incentives vary by state. For example, some states allow you to earn and sell credits for the electricity your solar system produces through a net metering program. Others offer solar rebates. We recommend using the Database of State Incentives for Renewables Efficiency to see what rebates and state tax credits you can receive.
Payment Options
Solar providers offer various payment methods that influence how cost-effective your investment in solar is. Here are the four payment options you can choose from with most solar companies :
- Purchase: Paying for your solar system up-front is the most cost-effective payment method for a solar system. Not only will you avoid paying interest over time, but you will also be eligible to file for the federal tax credit at your next income-tax filing.
- Solar Loan: Solar companies understand that not every homeowner is willing or able to pay for their system up-front. so they partner with a lending company to provide loan options. As with all bank loans, your interest rate will depend on your credit score.
- Solar Lease: Some homeowners may elect to lease their solar panel systems. With this arrangement, the solar company still owns the system, and you pay a set monthly amount for the installed solar panels. This option is not as cost-effective over time as purchasing or financing your system, as you are not eligible to receive state or federal incentives. However, you avoid paying hefty up-front sums.
- Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): A solar PPA lets you pay little to nothing for the actual installation of the PV system. Instead, you pay monthly payments to a utility company based on the energy generated by the system. Think of this as if you are paying for your usual electricity bill. As with a lease, you don’t own the system and are thus ineligible for tax incentives.
Our Recommendation
Residential solar panels help you cut both your electricity costs and carbon emissions. To ensure switching to solar is a sound investment for you, pay attention to your current utility rates. If you notice that your utility bill tends to be on the mid to upper end of your state’s average, you are nearly guaranteed to save money with solar in the long run.
In addition, if you can purchase or finance your solar system. you are making a more cost-effective decision than if you lease or sign a PPA.
We suggest using the tool below to see which solar installation companies service your zip code and get a sense of what a solar provider near you charges for installation.
Tax credits, rebates, and net metering are just a few of the reasons why it’s a good time to go solar.
By Tony Carrick | Updated May 19, 2023 6:11 PM
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This is the third installment of Bob Vila’s Most Valuable Projects of 2023, a month-long series featuring high-ROI home improvements on energy efficiency, sustainable kitchens, rooftop solar, and emergency preparedness. Each week, we’re pulling from our vast library of informational content, vetted shopping guides, and connections to industry professionals to present primers on the top projects to take on this year.
While solar panels have for years offered a way for homeowners to decrease their electric bill by harnessing the sun’s energy, the upfront cost of installing them has always been hard to swallow. Now, with the federal government and utility companies offering more tax credits and rebates than ever for clean energy sources, there truly hasn’t been a better time to make the leap to rooftop solar.
Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, you can take a 30 percent tax credit on the installation of new solar panels through 2033 with no maximum on the amount claimed, according to the IRS. Many utility companies also offer thousands of dollars in rebates for solar panel installation.
Solar panels also offer a solid return on investment (ROI). Homes with solar energy systems sell for an average of 4.1 percent more, according to Zillow. And, let’s not forget about the savings you’ll reap in energy costs. Depending on how much sun you receive and your utility rate, you can save 650 to 1,500 or more in annual utility costs by adding solar power. You can even sell energy back to your utility company on sunny days when you generate more than you use, further adding value to your investment.
The following how-to guides, cost estimates, and product reviews will help you nail down whether upgrading to a cleaner energy source is right for your home—and how to get started.
Solar Panels
A big part of adding solar to your home is determining the type and number of solar panels you need. While the sales reps with the best solar panel companies (such as SunPower or ADT Solar) will be happy to make those calculations for you, it’s not a bad idea to educate yourself, so you can make sure your home gets what it needs.
You’ll need to consider the amount of energy you use each year, the wattage of each panel, and the number of sunny days you have. You should also keep in mind that solar panels aren’t your only rooftop solar options. Solar shingles are an alternative to panels that better blend with your roof and can be more cost effective than panels. Once you’ve determined the number of panels (or shingles) you need, you can tally how much you can expect to spend to install those panels.
Since there are many solar panel dealers, you’ll also want to vet the various solar providers to identify which company best meets your needs. Consult the articles below to help you through the process of sizing and pricing a rooftop solar system.
Maximizing Solar Energy
If you’re going to invest in solar panels, then you’ll want to make sure you get the most out of them. Consider how certain factors might affect their performance, including the direction the roof faces and any trees or buildings that may create shade over the panels. Plan on hiring a service to clean your panels annually to ensure they stay in tip-top working condition. You’ll also want to figure out if it makes more financial sense for you to buy or lease the solar panels, and how your new solar panels will impact the resale value of your home.
Finally, to get the most out of your solar panels, contact your utility company to see if they offer a net metering program through which they’ll pay you for any excess energy you generate via your solar panels.
Electrical Panel and Wiring
Most people think about the price of the panels and installation when tallying up the cost of adding solar and forget to consider that their home’s electrical panel may not be up to snuff. If you have an electrical panel that uses fuses as opposed to breakers, doesn’t have enough amperage to support the new solar panels, or lacks the space to accommodate the new solar circuits, you’ll need to upgrade it in order to add solar. Another thing to consider is switching from gas to electric appliances, which might require you to expand the number of circuits in your electrical panel.
While upgrading your electrical panel is an additional expense that adds between 1,000 and 4,000 to your rooftop solar project, it will make your house more appealing when it’s time to sell. Plus, if you perform the upgrade as part of your solar panel installation, you can use Inflation Reduction Act tax credits to help pay for it.
Other Clean Energy Sources
Solar energy isn’t the only alternative clean energy source you can use to power your home. Depending on your needs and where you live, there are other options you can consider. Home wind turbines are a viable energy source for those who live in rural areas that see high average monthly wind speeds of at least 10 miles per hour. Though still in their infancy when it comes to powering residential homes, fuel cells could eventually be a viable renewable energy option. This clean technology generates power through a chemical reaction, is about twice as efficient as energy produced by traditional coal and natural gas power plants, and produces zero emissions. Both wind turbines and fuel cells also qualify for residential clean energy tax credits.
If you’re looking for reliable and clean backup power, you can purchase portable power stations as an alternative to gas-burning generators. These clean energy sources use rechargeable batteries to keep refrigerators, personal electronics, and even a window air conditioning unit up and running in the event of a power outage. Check out the following articles and guides to learn more about these alternative green energy sources.