what is the average cost of a solar energy system fully installed in a residential home?
The State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) of Texas has a useful calculator that can help you determine the costs and benefits of a solar energy system (link below). They've determined that: "Today, a reasonably priced PV system can supply a families' electricity if they use it efficiently, and if the electric grid isn't near, PV generated electricity may be the cheapest power source."
The Texas Solar Energy Society site has some good information. They're determination is that cost of energy generated from solar is still more expensive than buying "on the grid". (However, in 2006 the cost has risen to 14-16 cents/kWh in many cities.)
> "Compared to the current average price of electricity from a power plant (about 8 cents per kilowatt hour), PV electricity will cost you roughly twice as much, based on a 25 year lifetime.
The system will also appear expensive because you have to bear a large capital expense up front.
Generating enough electricity to power a home inherently takes a large collection area.
The most efficient way of utilizing PV, "grid attach", in which the electric utility buys back energy from you, and basically acts like a giant battery, is frequently discouraged by electric utilities (Austin is an exception). The fate of this "net metering" after deregulation is uncertain.
Batteries, used for energy storage, can be idiosyncratic and short lived, compared to the rest of the system.
As a way of displacing fossil fuel use (and pollution), it is less cost effective than basic conservation, passive solar techniques, and solar water heating. These should be considered first."
There are some Tax Credits:
The tax credits are for 30% of the cost of the system. For individuals the maximum credit is $2000 for photovoltaic systems and $2000 for solar water heating systems in any tax year.
Good luck! Sounds like an exciting project!
Grape Solar GS-440-KIT Residential 440 Watt Grid-Tied Solar Power System Kit
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