How Much Does it Cost to Install Solar Panels?

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Cost to Install Solar Panels
An African man with protective gear checks the voltage of the solar panels that he has just installed on a roof. African man installing renewable energy solutions

The cost of installing solar panels can vary greatly depending on the several factors that make up your individual situation. Understanding these factors will help you understand the role that solar companies, materials, location and complexity play in determining the cost. This will, in turn, help you make more informed decisions that will positively affect your purchase and decision-making ability. Let’s get started.

The Factors That Affect the Cost of Solar Panel Installation

The Company Performing the Work

The solar company performing the work will influence the cost of your solar panel installation in many ways. The first way they can influence the price is with their established rate system. This can be higher for larger companies with more staff, tighter deadlines and more concurrent projects. It may be lower with smaller businesses that can pay more attention to an individual client but will likely take longer to complete the work.

Another way that companies can influence the cost of the work is by the materials that they choose. As solar panels are an emerging market, certain manufacturers or products may be one of only a few options available in your area. (Xanax) Not only will less competition negatively affect pricing, but it can also make choosing between two companies a choice between two manufacturers as well.

The Solar Panel Materials and Manufacturer

As we alluded to previously, the solar panel manufacturer can influence the cost of your solar panel installation. Solar companies that work exclusively with a single manufacturer may be able to get a better price on that product, as they are likely to buy in bulk and negotiate for better rates. However, the material used in your solar panel may be at a higher cost inherently, as there is a push for this renewable energy source to ethically source their materials.

The Location and Setup of the Solar Panels

Another way that your solar panel cost may be influenced is the location of their setup. Solar energy is a great option for off-grid and remote locations since it can easily power small homesteads and basic equipment. Still, you may end up paying a premium price to get the labour and materials to a secluded location if there is not reliable road access or access to amenities. These things should be considered and discussed early on in the project to help prevent issues and conflicts later on.

The Complexity of the Installation and System

The complexity of your solar system can also influence the total cost of the project. Solar companies offer many different array options, including roof-mounted and scaffolding options. Obviously, if you must purchase, install and secure structural supports, your costs will be higher than if you were simply securing the panels to your existing structure.

Another way the complexity can influence the cost is the necessity and requirements surrounding backups and energy storage. Most solar systems will have at least some energy storage in case overcast or cloudy weather makes gathering energy difficult. Still, these systems can easily involve extra redundancies, more batteries and other supports that will drive up the cost. Again, careful consideration of your needs versus your wants will help you make an informed decision.

 

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