Consider all the pros and disadvantages of installing solar panel on your home. Before you make a final decision, consider the cost of installation, the life expectancy of the panels, the carbon footprint of the panels, and how much maintenance the panels will need. It is possible to save money while being more eco-friendly by having solar energy on your property. The installation of solar panels can prove costly, so be prepared to spend additional money on batteries to store the energy generated.
Cost of solar panels
Solar panels cost depends on many factors. The average cost of solar panels in Massachusetts is $14,000. Over 25 years, savings can reach over $30k. Massachusetts's average electricity rate is higher that the national average. Massachusetts also offers incentives and policies that are more progressive than the national average. A system of 5kW typically pays for itself within four years. You can maximize your savings by using track mounting and high-quality solar panel. This ensures the whole system absorbs light at a similar rate.
The price per watt of solar panels ranges from $2.50 per unit to $3.50. This price fluctuates regionally, with Southern regions having the highest per-watt cost. But, panels can still produce enough energy despite the high cost per watt. In fact, different states and counties will produce different returns on your investment. Use a calculator to estimate the cost to install solar panels.
Lifespan solar panels
There are many factors that can impact the longevity of solar panel panels. Although solar panels are designed to last 25 years on average, some may last much longer. But they don’t produce the same energy for the first 20. In turn, their power and efficiency gradually decrease over time. It's safer to use the average lifespan of twenty-five years for your calculations.
How long your panels last will depend on the quality of the panels. Low-quality panels are more likely to fail quickly. Extreme weather conditions can also reduce the lifespan of solar panels. Solar panels can be damaged by hail, snow, severe weather conditions, and heavy rains. Also, how well the solar panels are mounted will have an impact on their life expectancy. Therefore, it's important to consider the conditions where you'll be installing your solar panels before you purchase them.
Carbon footprint of solar panels
Installing a solar array will reduce your household's carbon footprint. Each panel has a carbon footprint of around 6 grams per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This is almost half the carbon emitted from conventional utilities. Solar panels are also less carbon intensive than conventional utilities such as coal and gas Carbon Capture and Storage. The carbon footprint of solar panels is comparable to that of wind and nuclear power.
Although the carbon footprint of solar panels can vary greatly, it is still lower than that of fossil fuels. Solar panels are more efficient than hydrocarbons like coal, natural gas, or natural gas. They can also cancel out their carbon footprints in as little as one year. This makes them a great investment for your home, and for the environment. No matter where you live in the world, solar panels can make an enormous impact on your community's carbon footprint.
Maintenance costs for solar panels
It is essential to maintain your solar panels in order to get the best out of them. The amount of snow on your panels may mean that you need to clean them once per year. Some snow particles will still remain, even though most of it will be melted by the tilt of your panels. This will reduce the energy production. If you are unable to clear the panels yourself, you can always hire professionals to do the job for you.
Solar panels can almost always be cleaned yourself. But, the cost of maintenance will vary depending upon how often you clean your panels. This should be taken into consideration when installing your solar panels. Some manufacturers of solar panels will offer maintenance visits for a small fee or free. But, in general, you should expect to spend more if you install your solar panels on a roof than on the ground.