Your average annual production and consumption can be met by a home solar system. The payback period depends on your location, the type of system and government incentives, but is typically ten to twenty years. You can reduce your electricity bills and get a tax credit by installing a home solar system. But, it can be costly to install a solar system at home.
Solar panels installed on your roof
There are several things to keep in mind when installing solar panels to your roof. First, make sure your roof is strong enough and sturdy enough to hold the weight of solar panel. The direction of your roof may also influence the amount sunlight that can reach solar panels. Most professionals recommend facing south and orienting them at an angle of about 180 to 195 degrees.
Once you have determined the correct orientation, you can begin installing solar panels to your roof. The panels will work better in the winter when the sun isn’t shining as brightly. This is why you should choose a spot with a south-facing rooftop. The panels should not be set up in a way that causes a lifting effect on your roof. Otherwise, they could be blown off.
Installing solar panels is expensive
The cost to install home solar panels will depend on several factors. These include the size and location your home. The type of solar panels used and their wattage will affect the cost of solar panels. Before you start looking at the different systems, estimate your energy consumption. This is crucial because your monthly electricity bill is a good indicator how much energy and money you have used each month.
Another factor that influences cost is the type of mounting system. The cost of installing solar panels on a south-facing rooftop at a 30 degree angle will be greatly reduced. You can have solar installers place the panels on a single roofing plane. This will decrease the cost. You will need additional equipment if you have multiple levels and dormers.
You can get tax credits to install solar panels on your roof
Tax credits for installing solar panels on your roof are available to help you offset the cost of installing them on your home. To qualify for the credit, you will need to meet certain conditions. The roof should not be in a state that prohibits the installation of solar panel. Special shingles and decking may be required for roofs that are solar-friendly.
First, check to see if your state offers tax credit for solar power systems. You may be eligible to receive state or federal tax credits depending on your state's renewable energy policy. The federal tax credit goes towards the cost of installing a sun-powered system. While the state credit goes toward the total cost of the system, the state tax credit covers the entire cost. A few states offer up-front rebates in order to help customers get solar power systems installed. These rebates can cut the cost of your solar panels by up to 10% or more.
Cost of maintaining solar panels
Some solar panel systems are not subject to active maintenance. But some homeowners may choose to have an annual maintenance package. These packages include cleaning, pest control, and checks to the electrical system. While these packages are not as common as commercial installations, they can add a few hundred dollars to the overall cost of your solar system.
With minimal maintenance, solar panels for your home can last between 20 and 30 years. It is vital to keep your panels clean and free of debris. You can clean the panels with a gardenhose, or let the rain run off them naturally.