Solar energy has become more popular in the U.S. especially amid rising energy prices in recent years. While the upfront expenses are quite expensive, many are willing to install it because of the long-term energy savings.
The cost of solar panel installation in Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah may cost more or less than the national average of $23,029 for this year. You should expect to spend between $16,243 and $30,290, which is the typical price for installation. Aside from your location, the actual price of installing solar panels will depend on your chosen type of materials.
Common Solar Panels
Monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film panels comprise the three most common choices available on the market. Thin-film offers the lowest retail price at $0.7 per watt, followed by $0.9 per watt for polycrystalline.
Monocrystalline is the most expensive with retail prices ranging between $1 and $1.50 per watt. However, this is the most efficient and has the most extended lifespan among the three choices. It may last for up to 35 years, while thin-film and polycrystalline may last up to 17 and 27 years, respectively.
In terms of space per kilowatt, monocrystalline panels require the least amount of space at a minimum of 65 square feet. On the other hand, thin-film panels need at least 100 square feet of space per kilowatt while polycrystalline needs at least 85 square feet per kilowatt.
Estimating Total Expenses
Homeowners should also consider other expenses such as overhead costs, which may account for up to one-third of the total budget. Permits and inspection fees may reach up to $450 depending on where you live in Utah, while an inverter and mount may cost more than $2,200.
You could attempt to install the system by yourself, but this would take much of your time and energy due to its complexity. A solar panel kit costs between $1.5 and $2.5 per watt. If you have no electrical knowledge, hiring an electrician may cost an additional $0.5 per watt. This isn’t really a cost-saver since hiring a contractor to do the work for you usually costs between $2.5 and $4 per watt. As the market grows,
Solar Energy Applications
Harvested sunlight can be used for a variety of purposes. You could use it to adjust the temperature in your swimming pool during cold weather. This is possibly by adding tubes from solar panels attached to your roof, which would then transmit the heat to your pool.
Solar panels can also serve as a charging station for your electronics. You could even buy a basic kit if you only want to harness the sun’s energy for this purpose.
Conclusion
Solar panel installation may be expensive, but you would be surprised to see a huge difference in prices when you search for as many offers as possible. Hence, take time to ask around from several contractors to find the best possible rate. How much are you willing to spend on your solar energy panels at home?
