The undeniable fact is that electricity costs have increased, not just in the US but in most parts of the world. There are many reasons for this, stretching from the increase in the cost of fossil fuels such as oil due to instability in The Middle East and Russia to an increase in high-energy electric household appliances across many homes. Currently, fossil fuel is the most widely used power generating source. But fossil fuel is not renewable; it took millions of years to create the fossil fuel deposits we use today. And we are currently using it faster than the earth can support. As a result, it is important to look for sustainable and renewable energy sources. Solar energy is a great alternative. The sun is the most abundant resource on the planet making solar energy a great alternative. However, even with the abundant availability of solar energy, converting this energy to electricity can be quite pricey. For example, Florida is sunny, and there are many state and federal incentives to install solar panels in Florida.
However, your overall costs could be very high if you do not know what panels work best for you or where to purchase them. To top it off, the purchase and installation of the panels account for about half of the overall expenses. You will need to account for labor costs, operation costs, and additional equipment such as control circuiting and invaders. Meaning you will need to fully understand everything that entails solar panel costs before making any decisions. Many factors affect the price of purchasing and installing solar panels in Florida, such as:
Federal And State Incentives
As a nation, and the entire globe, we are looking for better ways to preserve the fossil fuel we have left while increasing the use of renewable or green energy. As a result, the US is pushing more people to use solar energy by creating incentives both at the state and federal levels.
For example, in 2022, you will receive a 26% solar tax credit, which will be adjusted to 22% in 2023. Such incentives aim to encourage the use of solar energy by making purchases of solar panels more accessible and cheaper. At the state level, you may be eligible for municipal rebate programs to help cushion the cost of purchasing and installing solar panels.
Electricity Needs
Depending on factors such as the house size, the number of people living in the house, and the number of electric devices, each home has specific electric needs. The more your electricity needs, the more or bigger the panels you may need.
Choice Of Panels
There are three main types of solar panels you can choose from. They all have distinct features that allow them to flourish or struggle in different locations and circumstances.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels: These are perhaps the oldest type of solar panels. They are made from blue-hued PV cells with straight edges. The flatness of the PV cells reduces the surface area in contact with the sun, reducing solar energy production efficiency. They also have less heat tolerance meaning they may not be as effective in high temperatures. However, they are cheap and easy to manufacture, making Polycrystalline Solar Panels a popular option.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels: typically produce 15%-20% more electricity than Polycrystalline Solar Panels making Monocrystalline Solar Panels more effective. The panel is made from cylindrical silicon ingots. The shape of the ingots increases the surface area increasing solar power conversion effectiveness. As a result, you can generate more power per square foot. Furthermore, Monocrystalline Solar Panels offer better heat resistance, ensuring you can generate power even in hot areas without issues.
Thin-Film Solar Panels: these are considered second-generation solar cells. They consist of thin layers of photovoltaic material. These solar panels are more affordable, easy to manufacture, and lightweight, making them a great option. However, it may not be able to generate as much power as the other options per square foot, meaning you will need many Thin-Film Solar Panels and a large area to install them. With this in mind, Thin-Film Solar Panels are mostly recommended for industrial companies with the space to install them.
Location
Your location affects the climate, the intensity of the sun, and, inevitably, the average sunlight hours you receive per day. It is always important to consider your location before you purchase an ideal solar panel.
To figure out if a solar panel is ideal for your location: multiply your average hourly energy requirements by peak sunlight hours, then divide by a panel’s wattage. With this simple calculation, you can easily ascertain if the solar panels can sustain your needs and how many you will need.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
As mentioned, the federal and state governments have created tax credit incentives to encourage more people to install solar panels. According to EnergySage, it will cost you about $11,000 to $15,000 to purchase a solar system for an average-sized US house. As you can see, it is quite a sizable amount. However, many people often opt to start slow with a few DIY panels, which cost about $200 to $250 per panel. If DIY is not your thing and the cost of a full-sized solar system is beyond you, you can also decide to start with a smaller solar system which would cost you about $5,000.
Contact West Bay Energy to learn more about the cost of Solar panels in Florida
While installing solar panels offers many benefits, including doing your part for the environment, reducing your power bill, and even other perks such as tax exemptions and solar tax credits, it is still quite expensive.
That is why West Bay Energy offers zero down on solar systems. We understand the need for more people to move to solar energy and are prepared to be part of this amazing revolution. Our financing options are affordable, and you may end up paying a monthly total the same or lower than your current electric bill. Wouldn’t it be great to retire without an electricity bill? Learn more about us by visiting: https://westbayenergy.com/solar-panel-installation/.
West Bay Energy,
6260 39th St N STE I Pinellas Park Florida 33781, 7277584345
