With the 26 federal tax credit reducing at the end of 2020 millions of american homeowners are asking themselves whether or not installing solar panels is worth it this year.
Is it worth to install solar panels at home.
Solar panels last for a long time at least 20 25 years in most cases so even if you don t have plans to sell in the near future you can still reap their value boosting benefits when you do eventually decide to put your house on the market.
How much does the solar panel system cost.
That means homeowners but not renters can subtract the credit from the federal income taxes they owe in effect reducing the price of their solar purchase by nearly one third.
When you install solar panels you can also make your home more appealing to future buyers.
While cheap solar panels might feel like the easiest way to save some cash your total 20 year savings will often be higher if you invest in high quality equipment.
Today the average upfront cost of a six kilowatt solar panel system one of the common sizes for residential homes runs between 16 260 and 21 420 according to per watt estimates from energy marketplace energysage.
Let s imagine you spend 15 000 to install a solar panel system and are eligible for a 26 federal tax credit on that.
It makes little sense to add solar panels to a home that has leaky air ducts poor insulation 70 year old windows or other inefficient features.
If you live in an area with high energy rates and a suitable solar rating and can afford the initial investment it s worth installing solar panels in your home while the 26 tax break is in place.
Installation prices will vary significantly depending on the solar company you choose and the equipment you install.
High installation costs keep many homeowners from buying and installing solar panels that they own.
The answer depends on many factors including where you live how much roof space you have if your roof is shaded how much power you use what your local utility charges you for electricity and the prices offered by local solar companies.
In many instances solar providers offer free system monitoring maintenance repairs and insurance for the duration of your solar lease.
It s worth taking some time to review all of your equipment options and find the right combination of price and quality for your home.
One of the biggest advantages of installing residential solar panels is a 30 federal tax credit on the total cost of a system.
Often those repairs and upgrades are less.
How much do solar panels cost for an average home.
Generally solar panels create enough energy to power your whole house.