Cost-Benefits of Solar PV Systems

The costs of a PV system varies based on the size of the system, what state and or county the system will be installed along with various solar incentive programs such as rebates, tax credits and production-based incentives.

How much does a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system installation cost?

The costs of a PV system varies based on the size of the system, what state and or county the system will be installed along with various solar incentive programs such as rebates, tax credits and production-based incentives.

To find out the exact costs of a PV system for your home or business, please fill out our free Solar Cost Estimate Form.

What information will I need to share in order to get a complete cost estimate for solar production installation for my home or office?

Calculate Your Monthly Power Usage

Using your most recent utility bill, locate your total electric usage for the month measured in units known as Kilowatt-hours (kWh). A Kilowatt is equal to 1000 Watts, and the total usage is equal to how many hours 1000 kilowatts

Calculate Your Daily Power Usage

Now that you know what your total monthly kWh usage is, take that amount and divide it by the amount of days for that billing period/month.

For example…

June power usage = 300 kwH
Days in June= 30
300 kWh / 30 days = 10 kWh’s a day

Find Out How Many Hours of Sunlight are Available (insolation)

Next, you need to find out what the daily sunlight hours are for you area. 
Click here for a insolation map of the US.

Calculate Your Total Solar Panel Watt Requirements

Once you know what your daily sunlight hours are, take your daily kWh energy usage, and divide it by the hours of sunlight for your area. 
For example.
Tampa Florida = 3.8 daily sun hours
10 kWh / 3.8 daily sun hours = 2.63 KW or 2630 Watts
Next multiply this number by 1.15
2630 Watts  *  1.15 = 3024 Watts or 3.02 KW

Calculate the Total Cost of Your System

The final step is to estimate the total cost of the system you want to implement.  The average cost of solar power when installing it yourself is $7 per watt; it is roughly $9 a watt when installed by somebody else.

For example
3024 Watts * $7 = $21,168 (Do it yourself Installation)
3024 Watts * $9 = $27,216 (Professional Installer)

*If your plan on having a battery back-up system plan on spending an additional 15-30% 

Find out what the Local, State & Federal Incentives are for your location

While at first glance the costs of a solar power system may seem expensive as well as a bad investment, the cost in most cases are dramatically cheaper when you apply the tax rebates you will receive along with the money saved by not having to pay the rising costs of a traditional power. Click here to see the Solar Power Incentives for your area.