The Varying Cost of Solar Energy Systems

Solar energy is a clean source of energy. It comes from the sun. This type of energy is in abundance and can easily supply the earth with all of the energy we need if we harness it correctly. Unlike dirty energy or fossil fuel or natural gas this type of energy does not harm the earth. Neither does it aggravate the symptoms of people with Respiratory diseases.

Solar Panels/Solar Energy

There are different ways to use solar energy. However, the main way through the use of solar panels. The panels are placed on the roofs of houses. While the panels lay there they are constantly collecting sunlight.

When the photons in the sunlight make contact with the solar cells that are located within the solar panels they are loosened apart from one another. Only when the photons are knocked apart and separated can they create a current. The current is now ready to be used to create electricity. Either the electricity will be used right then and there or it will be sent to the grid for credits.

Types of Solar Panels

There are various types of solar panels with different types of features. One solar panel is called monocrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are the most effective panels when it comes to collecting and utilizing sun energy. Because these panels are so efficient, less of them are needed. Monocrystalline solar cells gives electrons much more room to circulate and move about, which creates more electricity. With a sleek appearance these types of panels are considered to be more stylish.

Polycrystalline solar panels are not as expensive as Monocrystalline panels. But they are also not as efficient. Polycrystalline panels are created from various types of silicone all melted together. While Monocrystalline panels are created from a single crystal of silicone. The use of single crystal silicon is the reason why the electrons are able to move around more freely, which produces more efficiency.

The Cost of Solar Panels

The good news for the average middle-class family is that the costs of solar panels are dropping. They are not the price that they used to be a few years ago and the more people that invest in them the lower the prices will continue to go. It used to be that the cost of a solar panel that could push out 6 kilowatts an hour was over $50, 000. Today the cost is much lower, almost half the cost.

The costs of installing solar panels varies on a number of things. The professional installer will need to determine the amount of energy your home uses. He/she will also need to take a hard look at the top of your house and accurately figure out the amount of sunlight your roof is generally exposed to. This is important because it will let the installer and the homeowner know exactly how efficient the panels will be.

The Costs of Mounting the Panels

How the solar panels are mounted makes a difference in the cost also. A fixed mount it a mount that can not be moved could be as much as $15. A more advanced mount, which is an adjustable mount it a tracking amount could be as much as $3, 000.

With an adjustable mount the panels can be adjusted or moved. They can be tilted to gain the highest amount of sunlight collection. Another feature about adjustable mounts is that they can allow the panels to lay completely flat, during bad weather.

Choosing the tracking mount can drive up the solar panel cost. A tracking mount which is the most expensive and is actually designed to turn in the direction of the arch of the sun. This unique feature provides the highest amount of energy production.

Solar installs vary between states. Florida has the lowest cost of solar installs. Rhode Island and New York has the highest solar install costs.

Also, there are tax credits and rebates that can be received for installing solar systems. The amounts may vary from state to state. And of course, let’s not forget the huge yearly savings that each home will experience for switching to solar energy.