First published: 27 June 2022 @ 6:00 pm
How much does it cost to install a rooftop solar panel grid at home?
We found people asked this question on Quora, and it’s a common one.
The short answer is that the cost of installing a rooftop solar panel grid will vary widely based on the complexity of your system, your region, and the specifics of your house.
But, we can also reduce the cost by choosing an integrated solar power solution.
In this article, we’ll summarize what you can expect to pay for a rooftop solar panel grid system, along with tips for reducing costs to make your system more affordable.
We’ll also look at some of the financial incentives available to help offset some of these costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Rooftop Solar Panel Grid?
There are two basic types of solar panels that you can choose from when planning a rooftop solar panel grid: mono-crystalline or poly-crystalline.
In brief, mono-crystalline panels have lower efficiency than poly-crystalline panels but are less expensive.
Besides the cost of the solar panels themselves, you’ll also need to pay for labor and equipment. Depending on your region, you may also need to install a racking system that supports the solar panels.
Racking systems are similar to racks used in the home or office storage, and they support solar panels from all sides.
Finally, if you want to include battery storage in your system, you’ll need to purchase additional batteries. We’ve outlined a few of the key costs below.
Labor
The average installation takes 2-3 days for most homeowners, with an average cost of $0.5 per watt.
The costs can vary widely depending on how complex your system is and how many people are involved in the installation process.
Racking
Racking systems range from free (no racking required) to $40-$80 per panel depending on what type of roofing material you have (e.g., metal roofing vs. wood) and the complexity of your installation.
Solar Panels
The average cost of a mono-crystalline solar panel is $6,000 per set, while the average cost of a polycrystalline solar panel is $5,400 per panel.
You can find good deals on poly-crystalline panels, especially when you purchase them in large quantities.
On the other hand, you can also find better deals on mono-crystalline panels and many other things to consider when planning your solar power system.
As you can see, it’s easy to understand why many homeowners choose to install a rooftop solar panel grid at home instead of going through the trouble of getting an off-grid system.
This is especially true if you’re interested in offsetting some of your electricity costs with tax credits and rebates for residential customers.
Related Article: Can Solar Panels Generate Enough Electricity?
Solar Power Installation Cost Savings Tips
If you’re planning to install a rooftop solar panel grid at home, there are a few ways to reduce the cost of your system:
Choose an integrated solar power solution
Many solar power companies offer integrated solutions that include an array of solar panels, batteries, and inverters, all in one package.
This type of system is more expensive than a DIY solution but typically more affordable than installing your panels and batteries.
Take advantage of tax credits and rebates for residential customers
In some countries, there are various tax credits available to offset the costs of installing a rooftop solar panel grid system.
Besides federal tax credits available to homeowners who install systems on their property, some countries offer additional incentives and rebates for residents who want to install their systems.
Consider hiring a professional installer
Some homeowners can reduce the cost of their system by hiring a professional installer to handle the installation process.
However, it’s important to be careful when choosing a company to install your system, as many unscrupulous companies will take advantage of homeowners looking for an affordable solution.
For example, many of these companies will use low-quality solar panels and sell them at inflated prices.
The average cost of an off-grid system installed by a professional installer ranges from $2.6-$3.2 per watt, depending on the complexity of your system and whether you need help with other tasks like wiring or installation.
Ask about their insurance policies for products and services
A good company should have comprehensive insurance coverage that protects them against all costs associated with repairs or replacements related to the installation of your system.
Get an estimate from multiple companies
It’s important to compare apples-to-apples when getting an estimate from multiple companies so you can get a better idea of what it will cost to install a rooftop solar panel grid at home.
Sometimes, it may be more cost-effective to choose a different type of solar power solution, like a stand-alone solar power generator, instead of installing a rooftop solar panel grid.
Is Solar Panel Worth It?
While it’s true that the cost of installing a rooftop solar panel grid system can vary widely depending on the complexity of your system, the upfront costs are not what you should focus on when deciding whether to install a rooftop solar panel grid.
The real value comes from the fact that you’re offsetting your electricity costs with solar power and creating an environmentally friendly home or business.
Even if you choose to go the DIY route, there are many ways to reduce the cost of your system by making it more affordable.
For example, if you’re looking for a home-based solution, you can look into using cheap off-grid solar panels and other energy-efficient products.
You’ll also want to consider what it will cost to install an off-grid system versus installing a rooftop solar panel grid.
An off-grid system will typically require you to have an electrician come in and install several meters to track your energy usage.
Our blog, HandyWork, is a resource for homeowners looking to save money on their home projects.
If you’re interested in ways to save money on your home improvement projects, check out our other articles!