Ultimate Guide to Solar Power Systems for Your Home

Solar Power Systems
Solar Panels on a Roof

Are solar power systems worth it where you live? The answer depends on several factors, such as the average price of your utility bills, possible tax incentives in your area, and your home’s location. But as electricity costs rise, solar power systems could be a wise investment for many homeowners. In this guide to solar power systems for your home, you’ll learn how solar power systems work and whether they could save you money.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

According to the Center for Sustainable Energy, consumers can expect to pay between $15,000 and $25,000 for a solar panel system and installation. In 2022, the average cost was between $12,390 and $15,960, thanks to the Clean Energy Credit, which now covers 30% of solar system installation costs.

Solar Panels Cost
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In 2022, the average cost of solar was between
$12,390 and $15,960.
Solar Panels on a Roof

However, the cost of a home solar system can also vary significantly based on your home and where you live. For example, states like Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada receive some of the highest sunshine levels in the country. When exposed to significant amounts of sunlight, such as in these states, solar panels can work very effectively, meaning they generate more energy and help you save more on energy bills. Solar panels still work in cloudy locations, but more sunlight means more energy.

Other factors to consider when calculating the cost of solar panels on your home include government incentives, how much energy you typically use, and more.

Learn about the costs of solar panels here.
House having Solar Panels

Is Installing Solar Panels On My House A Good Investment?

Electricity costs are different in each state, but generally, you can expect to benefit from solar energy if you have high energy bills. As solar panels generate power independently, the greater your energy bill, the more likely you will benefit from investing in solar energy.

However, it’s important to know that it may take some time for your solar power system to “pay for itself” and to see a significant return on your investment. It can take years to offset the cost of solar panel systems and installation completely, but you will most likely begin seeing the difference solar panels make on your utility bills at once.

In addition to the cost factor, installing solar panels on your home is also an investment in eco-friendly energy sources. Solar panels do not produce greenhouse gasses or air pollutants like fossil fuels. If sustainability is important to you and your family, solar panels can be an excellent investment for future energy usage and can significantly lessen your carbon footprint.

Roof with solar panels
Solar Panels by Axia on Rooftop

Do Solar Panels Work When the Power Goes Out?

When your electricity goes out due to extreme weather or high demand, your solar panel system will also go out. That’s because solar panel systems are connected to the electric power grid like any other energy source — and once that electric grid loses power, so will your solar panel system. Learn more about how solar panels work on your house.

However, there is a solution to power outages when using solar energy. Solar batteries keep your solar panel system generating power in an outage.

What Are Solar Batteries, And How Much Do They Cost?

A solar battery is a device added to your solar panel system that collects and stores excess solar energy your system generates. That stored energy can power your home during power outages or even when it’s dark or cloudy outside. Solar batteries are a reliable, sustainable way to ensure your home runs smoothly in the event of an emergency.

The cost of a solar battery varies depending on the size of your home, the amount of energy you consume regularly, and the type of solar battery you choose. Common types of solar batteries include lead-acid, lithium-ion, and lithium-ion-phosphate batteries.

Solar Batteries

Lead-Acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries have been on the market longer and are thus more affordable than other types. However, they may require more maintenance.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are newer to the market and are more expensive but require little maintenance.

Lithium-Ion-Phosphate Batteries

Lithium-ion-phosphate batteries are very new and have the highest cost of solar battery types, but they have a long shelf-life and require little maintenance.

Solar Battery System
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Solar battery costs can range from
$300 to $20,000.

The cost of your solar battery system will also depend on how much energy you use. If you use a high amount, you need a larger battery system. A smaller battery system may be ideal if you use a smaller amount of energy.

Depending on your specific needs, the type of battery and battery system you choose, and many other factors, solar battery costs can range from $300 to $20,000, with an average cost of around $10,000. Your state may also offer incentives and tax rebates, which could reduce costs.

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We’re bringing homeowners across America a better way to go solar with complete home energy solutions and a seamless experience every step of the way.

Homes with Solar Panels by Axia
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Homes with solar panels can sell for an average of 4.1% more than similar homes without.

Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?

Solar panels could increase your home’s value depending on where you live, the type of home you have, and the type of solar panel system you install. But if you’re looking to sell your home in the near future, it’s worth looking into how solar power systems can increase your property value. According to research from Zillow, homes with solar panels can sell for an average of 4.1% more than similar homes without solar panels.

Homeowners also have the option to utilize solar panel loans and financing.

Ready to Electrify Your Life?

Isn’t it amazing what simple sunlight can do? We think so — and that’s why our mission is to help as many people as possible discover the empowerment behind energy independence. If this article has inspired you to go solar, get in touch with us today to get a custom quote from an advisor. We’ve pledged to make the solar transition as seamless and simple as possible!

Learn More

Want to learn more about how solar works? Check out these related articles. Have a question you can’t find an answer to? Contact us or chat live with an expert today.

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