A solar-powered home in Arizona is cheaper to run and you will reduce your carbon footprint while at it. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about frustrating power disruptions due to an unreliable grid system.
But while solar panels translate to cost benefits in the long run, there’s the question of the initial cost. The average cost of a solar panel system has gone down over the last two decades. Today, you’ll need about $16,532 and $30,820 for the system. This translates to about $2.50 to $3.50 per watt for panels between 3kW to 10kW range. However, there are tax credits, such as the federal investment tax credit (ITC).
Say you want solar panels for 2500 sqft home. How much will this cost? It is a question most clients who contact Total Solutions for solar power installations ask. You will need about $18,000 for an average 6 kW solar panel system, which will power a 2,500 square foot home.
However, these solar installers will also tell you there are other factors to consider rather than the size of your house.
This post highlights all factors that determine the cost of solar panels installation. The information will help you budget for your solar panel project for a 2500 sqft home.
Your Home’s Energy Needs
Solar panels are rated in kilowatts (kW) which is the energy they can absorb and then produce. On the other end, your home’s energy use is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). When thinking of energy consumption, you consider how many kWhs your home needs to determine how many solar panels you need.
A solar installer will advise you that the number of solar panels to power your home doesn’t depend on the size of the property. Rather, that number will depend on the amount of power (kWhs) you use each month. You might have a large house with minimal energy consumption. The reason could be due to fewer occupants or other reasons.
Number of Solar Panels to Power an Average Home
The first way to determine the cost of your solar power installation is to determine how many photovoltaic panels you need. Most homes require 14-36 solar panels to cover their power bill fully.
However, some other factors will affect this number, including:
- Amount of energy your home needs: The more energy your home uses, the higher the number of panels needed.
- The direction of the roof: The roof should receive direct sunlight, preferably between 10 am and 2 pm. Roofs facing south receive more sunlight in the northern hemisphere.
- Location: The Southern United States enjoys higher solar insolation (amount of solar energy that strikes the earth).
- Solar panel wattage: The amount of energy your solar panels can produce.
- Roof space: You need 100 sqft of roof space for every 1 kW of conventional solar panels.
Determining the total number of solar panels can be tricky. This is why we offer the best solar installation solutions at Total Solutions. You can use our solar panel calculator by simply using your zip code and the average amount of your monthly electricity bill.
Contact us today at 1(888)973-4754 for all your solar panel installation needs in Arizona.