That Thing About Costs

A PV system is a significant financial investment, with important environmental and economic ramifications. So it is important to think carefully about what you want your solar energy system to accomplish in both the short and long term.

PV panels last a long time and have long warranties. Most manufacturers offer 25 year guarantees for rated power output. Panels typically just sit there and work and work and work…… That is a good thing because the array is the most expensive component of your system. The frame that holds your panels is made of aluminum and will last as long as the panels.

Inverter technology is constantly evolving and improving. Warranties of 10 years are becoming the norm for grid tie inverters. Efficiencies are quite high and little power is wasted in conversion from DC to AC.

If you should decide to add more PV panels or replace the inverter with a more updated unit, this can readily be done, when your system is designed with future expansion in mind. You may want to build your system in stages or perhaps a tax credit change might make it more attractive for you to increase size. But you should be thinking of these things before you settle on your design

Compare your solar energy system to the purchase of a new car. Most new cars these days start at $15K and easily go to $40K for a more luxurious model. Ask yourself what it will be worth in 10 years, if you keep it that long. And don’t forget all the costs to keep it going, fuel, repairs, insurance etc. Now think about your new PV array. You may pay as much for it as your new car, but in 10 years it will still be running and efficiently converting solar energy. PAYING YOU IN ELECTRICITY! And from the day you throw the switch and watch the electric meter start to spin backwards, you will be saving money.

And don’t forget to explore the TAX CREDITS !

There really isn’t such a thing as an “off the shelf” PV system. Each site has its own unique aspects which need to be taken into account when pricing a system. Here are some typical pricing guidelines:

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