How Much Do Solar Panels Cost? (2022 Guide)

Factors That Determine Solar Panel Costs

There are several key factors that determine the total cost of solar panels: household electrical demand or energy usage, location, type of panel, size, labor costs, incentives, and how you purchase them.

• Household electrical demand. This is the amount of electricity the household uses every month. Homes with predominantly gas appliances will use less than those that use primarily electric appliances.
• Location. Solar panels cost more in some states than others, largely due to the cost of electricity in the region. Peak sunlight hours are another metric that factors in.
• Type of solar panel. Monocrystalline panels tend to be more efficient but cost more than polycrystalline panels in general. More efficient panels are typically needed for homes with limited roof space.
• Size of the panel. A larger solar system size will cost more because it will require more labor and more equipment. Bigger solar power systems cost more upfront but can result in greater savings.
• Amount of sunlight. The greater amount of daily sun your home receives, the greater the amount of potential savings.
• Solar panel installation cost. The labor cost of your installation differs from place to place, which can have a big impact on the overall cost. Different solar providers and installers will charge varying amounts for their labor. When reaching out to a top solar company for a quote, you’ll be provided with more details on installation costs.
• Tax incentives. The federal solar tax credit is known as ITC. The federal tax credit value for 2021 is set at 22%, compared to 26% for 2020.
• Purchasing options. Customers can often choose between paying upfront or using solar leases or loans.

Solar Panel Savings

Solar panels will save you money on your electricity bills, but the amount they save you will depend on factors like the size and angle of your roof, the number of direct hours of daily sunlight, and local electricity rates. Homeowners can look to the amount they currently spend per month on electricity and compare that to what it would be with solar panels to get a sense of savings.

Solar panels are also cheaper than ever before. In fact, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the cost to install solar panels has dropped more than 70% in the past decade.

You will likely still receive an electricity bill, but you won’t owe any money. Instead, the bill will show you how your usage was offset by the month’s net credits. If you provide more electricity to the grid that you pull from it, your utility can roll over as a credit for the next month.

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?

The number of solar panels you need will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your home, the amount of daily sunlight it receives, and more. Ultimately, the energy needs will dictate how many panels you require. You’ll need your solar panels to generate 100% of your home’s electricity needs to completely get rid of your electricity bill.

The typical solar panel produces roughly one kilowatt-hour per day. You can find out your kWh usage on your utility bill. It will be listed monthly, so divide it by 30 to get your daily use. If you use 50 kWh, you would need 50 solar panels. But there are other features outside your home that might require energy, like powering a guest home or heating a pool. That will increase the number of solar panels you need.

How to Get the Best Deal

We’ve rounded up some bottom-line tips to ensure that you get the best deal possible on your solar panels. It’s important to do your research before you commit. The cheapest option doesn’t always have the best value.

Consider equipment. The equipment you choose will have a big impact on your electricity production. Sometimes smaller scale installers have a greater variety of equipment than national manufacturers. Weigh the cost of the equipment, financing options, and warranties. More expensive equipment doesn’t always translate to higher ultimate savings.

Compare quotes. Always look into your options before making your decision. The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory recommends that customers compare as many quotes as possible to get the best rate and avoid inflated prices. Many solar calculator quote tools are available for free online, including the quote tool below that connects you to installers in your area: