How Do You Determine The Cost Of Solar Panels?
There are 3 main factors that affect the cost of solar panels -- quality, age and technology. This applies as much for brand new panels as pre-owned ones. You may have chanced upon a solar generator system that is relatively cheap. But that may not be a good deal...yet. You have to check with the manufacturer or retailer against the 3 factors above. More often than not, there is a good reason for the price that you pay (or not).
Adding to the complexity, the concept of "cost" involves more than just adding up the retail price of solar panels, hardware installation and maintenance costs. The total price you pay must be measured against the power these panels will produce for you. Your general aim should be to pay less for every watt the photovoltaic panels produce for you.
Manufacturers produce different types of solar panels of different quality. While better quality panels command higher price tags, they tend to last much longer. This increased lifespan very often justify the added cost. However many people will rather save money by choosing lower quality solar panels than cough out the difference for higher quality ones. This is understandable.
As solar panels produce electricity under the effect of sunshine, they begin the irreversible process of aging. As they get older, their resale value drops. Thus it is important to verify with your sales representative the age of solar panels you are receiving. Stored solar panels, on the other hand, maintain their full lifespan. Therefore solar panels do not usually lose their value while stored on shelves (away from sunlight)...unless a new photovoltaic technology emerges to replace them. By then manufacturers will have to slash their price to move them out of the storehouse.
Despite their image, used solar panels aren't all that bad when it comes to payback period. Although they have a shorter lifespan and a slightly lower efficiency, most of them are still in good working condition and can last many more years. Best of all, they're cheap. Therefore you should keep your mind open -- as long as the price per watt and warranty conditions justify the purchase, you should be on your way to purchase cheaper energy.
As technology improves, the cost (per watt) of solar panels decreases. Currently, consumers often get solar panels below $5 per watt. Understandably, prices vary from location to location. Therefore you have to contact a few solar panel manufacturers to understand how they price their products before you sign on the dotted line.
If you want to install a solar panel system that can supply your entire house with power, it is not surprising to find manufacturers quoting you a whooping $25,000 to $30,000 for the entire installation. This may appear to be expensive. But the system can serve you for more than two decades and they usually pay for themselves slightly after the first. Therefore you'll be able to live on free electricity for another ten years after the payback period.
Certainly, a manufacturer's quotation depends on how big your house is and your average electricity consumption. If you manage to find energy wastage around the house and reduce them, the size of your system may be smaller. This means you end up paying less. In every household, there are wastages that account for a huge portion of energy consumption.
A DIY solar panel is a good alternative to a commercial, off-the-shelf system. Those of us who are apt at working with simple tools and electrical circuits can make for ourselves a homemade solar power system. Do not be mistaken...these are not some shoddy projects that over-the-edge enthusiasts make. The solar cells and related components are from renowned manufacturers. The DIYer's only involvement is putting various components together to make a solar panel, and then install this solar panel on their roofs. These can last as long as commercial panels at a fraction of the cost.
To end up with a good system, you'll need to do a little fact find to have a better understanding of why solar panels are priced the way the are. Hopefully, if you compare between suppliers, you may be able to find a solar power system that suit your budget and energy needs.
About the Author
John Greenspan is an expert in DIY solar panels and has build several solar power generators in his spare time. Are you interested in building DIY Solar panels? Pick up your FREE "How To Build Solar Panels" eBook at => http://www.diysolarpanelsworld.com
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