Are you looking for a stylish and environmentally friendly way to improve your home's energy efficiency? Take a look at solar tiles! These innovative tiles seamlessly integrate solar technology into your roof, providing clean and renewable energy while improving your home's curb appeal.
Jiasheng Product Page
So say goodbye to unsightly solar panels and hello to a fashionable and environmentally conscious option. In this blog, we'll look at the advantages of solar tiles and how they can improve your home's energy efficiency.
Solar tiles are roofing materials that can produce energy directly from sunlight. Solar tiles are integrated into the roof itself and function as both a roofing substance and a source of energy, as opposed to conventional solar panels, which are mounted on top of an existing roof.
Photovoltaic cells in solar tiles turn sunlight into direct current (DC) energy. To imitate the size and shape of conventional roofing tiles or roof shingles, the cells are usually silicon, the same material used in traditional solar panels.
There are many kinds of solar roof panels on the market, so it's important to pick the right one for your roofing system.
Low-profile, high-performance solar systems are provided by photovoltaic solar tiles, which are made to resemble the profile of typical flat concrete tiles. These standard solar panels have a 25-year warranty and are constructed of steel roofing and glass solar tiles. Due to their three pounds per square foot modest weight, installation is simple, and they are durable.
In addition, the solar tile has a conversion efficiency of about 17.8%, much greater than conventional solar panels. These solar tiles are appropriate for various applications because they can function from -40°C to 90°C.
In addition, they are a tough solution for installation on roofing or building surfaces because they are also waterproof.
Photovoltaic solar tiles are a new technology option for solar energy systems because they have several advantages over conventional solar panels. Because of their resilience and lightweight construction, they can withstand high wind speeds and temperatures while simplifying installation.
In addition, photovoltaic solar tiles are the best solar energy solution for commercial and residential buildings due to their high conversion efficiency, low production costs, and many additional advantages.
The capability of solar energy generation and the conventional function of roofing tiles are combined in solar thermal tiles, sometimes called solar thermal tiles or solar collectors. These tiles capture solar energy and transform it into useful thermal energy.
Solar thermal tiles are typically constructed from strong, weatherproof materials like metals, glass, or ceramics. There are several layers in each solar thermal tile, including an absorber layer, insulation, and a clear covering.
Understanding that solar thermal tiles differ from photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, which harness sunlight to produce energy, is crucial. Thermal solar tiles are created primarily to catch and use solar heat instead of PV panels, which concentrate on generating electrical energy.
Hybrid solar tiles are roofing shingles that produce solar energy and mix solar and non-solar tiles to produce a roof that both produces energy and protects against the weather.
For a neat and seamless look, hybrid solar tiles are made to fit the profile of flat concrete roofing tiles. The typical material for hybrid solar tiles is tempered glass, with a 25-year warranty. Typically, they are made of solar and non-solar tiles made of clay, asphalt, and ceramic.
Both solar panels and roof tiles generate clean, renewable energy that powers dwellings. But unlike solar panels, which are constructed of connected solar cells, solar roof tiles are fashioned to resemble regular, roofing tiles.
Glass and steel roofing tiles make up solar roof tiles. While the latter is flexible and can be installed on rooftops of any size or shape, the former is strong and offers exposure to the sun, which produces energy.
In addition, while solar panels have a 20-year warranty, solar roof tiles have a 25-year warranty. This shows that solar panels have a high level of durability, while solar roof tiles have a lesser level of durability. However, solar roof tiles cost more than solar panels, which has disadvantages and benefits.
It's crucial to comprehend the critical aspects of selecting the ideal solar tiles for your particular needs if you're considering putting solar tiles on your roof. We will walk you through the crucial factors to consider so that you can decide to obtain the best solar panels for your new roof.
The roof significantly influences solar tile installation and appropriateness. Solar installations are typically a good fit for metal roofs. The mounting solutions for metal roofs can attach solar tiles directly to the metal surface.
To maximize solar energy generation on flat rooftops, tilting or elevated mounting techniques are needed. Asphalt shingles, the most common roof, are compatible with various solar tile systems. In addition, the old shingles can be blended with solar tiles to create a seamless appearance.
Another important factor to consider while selecting solar tiles is the state of your roof. The performance and endurance of the roof and solar tile system over the long run depend on how well the roof is maintained.
Check to see if the solar tiles' added to the roof's structural integrity can support the weight. Compared to conventional roofing materials, solar tiles often contribute greater weight. Thus, a sturdy roof is necessary to support the load.
Energy production is a crucial factor to consider when selecting solar tiles. Think about solar tiles' electricity output, which is between 25W and 114W. Furthermore, solar tiles with high electrical efficiencies&#;between 15.9% and 17.2%&#;can reduce energy loss and lower energy expenditures.
Ensure the solar tile system has been validated and tested by a reputable testing facility to guarantee it is eligible for government incentives like the Energy Company Obligation Scheme. Finally, review the solar tile system's temperature working range to ensure it can endure extremely hot conditions.
When deciding which solar tiles are appropriate for your project, your budget and financing alternatives are essential considerations. Installations of solar tiles cost money upfront, but they may result in long-term energy savings and environmental advantages.
Investigate your alternatives for financing to reduce the cost of installing solar tiles. Cash purchases, solar loans, power purchase agreements, and solar leases are a few popular forms of financing.
In addition, look into the various tax breaks and incentives that may help with the installation costs of solar tiles. Local, state, and federal governments frequently offer financial incentives to encourage the use of renewable energy.
Solar tiles are made to complement flat concrete tile profiles and mix in with the roof plane. They are also suitable for restoring structures in historic or conservation-protected regions because they may use more of the roof's surface to produce the most electricity.
Some solar tiles are strong enough to endure winds that reach 140 mph in speed. Solar tiles are also suitable for areas with high solar incidence since they absorb more solar energy. Solar tiles are an all-around affordable and environmentally friendly option for roofing needs.
The adoption of solar products is a boon for our environment and society, which is why the united states government has incentives for solar power expansion by residential and commercial entities. Some states that provide such benefits are new jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Colorado, California, Florida, new york, texas, Pennsylvania, etc.
Municipal, state, and federal governments provide various tax credits and incentives to encourage the use of renewable energy. The price of installing solar tiles can be greatly lowered thanks to these advantages.
Refunds, grants, tax credits, and performance-based incentives are examples. Look into the incentives offered in your area and verify the requirements.
For example, while some incentives may be income-based, others may be based on the energy production or capacity of the solar tile system. By taking advantage of these discounts, you may reduce the installation costs and increase the solar tile installation's profitability.
Solar tile producers may have their finance programs or collaborations with financial institutions to offer appealing financing alternatives. These programs may offer exclusive privileges, enticing conditions, or special loan offers.
When considering solar tile systems, ask the producers if they offer financing options. These initiatives can improve access to financing and cater to the solar tile product you select. It has been reported that solar installers and roofing firms provide financing plans to help cover the cost of installing solar tiles.
If solar tiles are used with current roofing materials, some roofing companies, such as Tesla, timberline solar, Integra, and luma solar, may even give a 25% discount on installing the solar tiles. Installing solar tiles can be much cheaper than installing standard roofing, thanks to installer rebate programs.
Solar leases entail renting the solar tile system from a third-party provider, just like PPAs. With a solar lease, you make a monthly payment covering all system upkeep and maintenance.
Although you own the system partially, leasing offers a means to take advantage of solar energy without paying any up-front expenditures. It's crucial to remember that leasing can still result in cost savings even though the financial advantages may be modest compared to buying the equipment outright.
According to some estimates, the cost of solar tiles may be twice as high as that of conventional solar panels. Solar tiles can, however, provide certain advantages over conventional solar panels, including increased energy efficiency and durability.
In addition, solar tiles might be a good option for projects where weight restrictions are an issue because they are lighter and simpler to install than conventional solar panels.
Therefore, considering the two technologies' various performance traits is crucial when weighing the costs and advantages of solar tiles and conventional solar panels.
In addition to improving the performance of your roof, solar tiles&#;also referred to as solar shingles or photovoltaic roof tiles&#;offer a novel approach to producing clean, sustainable energy.
To ensure a successful and effective installation of solar tiles on your roof, it's crucial to comprehend the installation procedure. We'll lead you through installing solar tiles in this step-by-step manual.
Assessing your roof's condition and appropriateness for installing solar tiles is a good place to start. Ensure the roof is properly exposed to the sun, structurally sound, and damage-free.
Check your roof's direction and tilt to maximize the amount of solar energy it can absorb. If necessary, seek the advice of a qualified installer or a structural engineer. Make sure the roof surface is spotless, debris-free, and in good condition.
Any harmed or compromised sections should be fixed. Remove any existing roofing materials that can obstruct the installation if necessary.
Install mounting hardware and flashing first. Flashing is essential to waterproofing and leak prevention. In addition, the mounting hardware gives the solar panels a stable basis. For correct installation, adhere to manufacturer recommendations and regional building regulations.
When installed on a roof, solar panels must be connected to the main service panel and power inverter within the house. The home's inverter and main power supply must be connected to these solar panels via an external cable.
The cables that make up this external wiring often extend from the solar panels on the roof down to the electrical service panel. All wiring in solar shingles and tiles is internal and concealed to prevent damage during installation and ensure it is safe under the roof insulation below.
Due to the absence of the possibility of outside forces damaging the installation, installation time and costs are reduced.
Lay the solar tiles out by the layout design. To produce a smooth, weather-resistant surface, carefully place each tile and connect them firmly. For proper tile connection and placement, adhere to the manufacturer's instructions.
Ensure all solar tiles are sealed properly and firmly attached to the roof. This step is essential for stopping water intrusion and guaranteeing the installation's durability. Use the right sealants and adhere to the best waterproofing practices.
The system should be extensively checked after installation to ensure optimal operation and performance. This includes checking electrical connections, running system inspections, and evaluating energy production. During the initial phases, monitor the system closely to spot and resolve any potential problems.
Solar tiles are a great choice if you're looking to install solar roof shingles on your roof. They're more durable, reliable, and more cost-effective than solar panels. However, they do require some care and maintenance to ensure their longevity. Here are some tips for taking good care of solar tiles.
To keep solar tiles operating as effectively as possible, cleaning is essential. Regular cleaning will preserve the solar tiles' ability to produce solar energy over time. Solar tiles should be cleaned with a soft brush or cloth and a little detergent or soap.
To protect the solar cells, water should be used cautiously. Safety equipment, such as safety goggles, must be worn when cleaning solar tiles. In addition, use caution while cleaning abrasive products because they may harm the solar tiles. Use a clean, lukewarm water solution to clean solar tile surfaces safely.
The condition of your solar tiles should be checked frequently for cracks, warping, and discoloration. Solar tiles should be cleaned, mended, or replaced if they exhibit damage symptoms.
Cleanings regularly maintain maximum effectiveness. Solar tiles with monocrystalline solar cells are made to convert sunlight into electricity rapidly and effectively. Solar tiles should be installed on a clean roof free of moss, leaves, and other debris to provide maximum performance.
Trimming trees and bushes close to solar panels is essential to ensuring that they receive enough sunshine. Solar panels should be installed in a location with lots of sunlight to save energy expenses. However, solar panels shouldn't be placed directly in the sunlight to prevent overheating and harming solar cells.
Before taking your new solar system out for a spin, consider the pros and cons of installing solar roof shingles over regular shingles.
Solar tiles are made to blend in with your entire roof perfectly, giving it a tidy and modern appearance. Asphalt shingles, concrete tiles, and metal roofs are just a few of the roof materials that solar tiles can be installed.
This versatility makes the ability to incorporate solar electricity into many architectural designs and roof materials possible. Utilizing solar tiles, which turn sunlight into electricity, enables roofers to generate clean, renewable energy and less dependency on the grid.
Rain, snow, and hail are just a few of the numerous weather conditions that solar tiles are made to survive. High-efficiency solar tiles frequently have long-lasting performance and need little upkeep because they are composed of sturdy materials that can resist the rigors of outdoor exposure.
The upfront cost is typically higher when comparing solar tiles to conventional solar panels. The initial investment may be more expensive due to the cost of the specialized roofing materials and the integrated solar technology.
Due to their integrated design, solar tiles may have a lower energy efficiency than conventional solar panels. Solar tile installation demands specialized knowledge and competent installation.
Compared to conventional solar panels, the integrated design and connection to the electrical infrastructure may necessitate more difficult installation procedures. Longer project schedules and greater installation costs may arise from this.
While solar tiles have attractive features, there may be fewer design alternatives than conventional roofing materials.
Solar tiles have a variety of benefits and drawbacks to take into account in conclusion. On the plus side, solar tiles are attractive, adaptable, and can raise the value of your home.
In addition, they are strong, offer clean energy, and can be installed on many roofs. There are significant disadvantages, though, such as greater initial costs, potentially lower energy efficiency, installation difficulty, fewer design alternatives, and unique maintenance and repair needs.
The lifespan of solar tiles is 25 to 30 years. Steel roofing tiles and sturdy, durable glass solar tiles are used to construct solar roofs, which also come with sizeable warranties. Solar shingle installation can take up to a week. However, with routine maintenance, solar tiles can last longer than the typical 25&#;30 years.
The roof's complexity, the system's size, and the installation process can all affect how long it takes to install solar tiles. On average, the time needed to install solar tiles might range from a few days to a few weeks.
The roof's kind, size, and placement determine the solar tiles you need. For example, to achieve a maximum power output of 0.114 kW (kilo-watt) per tile, a conventional roof would need between 16 and 24 solar tiles
The company is the world’s best bipv panels supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Solar panels are the symbol of clean energy for many. But actually getting them onto your rooftop requires grappling with all sorts of complexity.
&#;As a journalist and researcher, I&#;m usually pretty good at finding out how things work,&#; said Katie Fernelius, who found herself trying to decipher a solar sales pitch after buying a house in New Orleans. &#;&#;But the solar marketplace felt very confusing. It was really difficult to know what all of my different options were and how empowered I was as a consumer in navigating those options.&#;
When buying, say, a used car, customers generally know to be on guard, but that may not be the case for solar power, which enjoys a virtuous reputation for reducing pollution and fighting climate change. But as with any other product, the companies selling solar installations are incentivized to maximize their profit. And like Fernelius, many customers find it hard to decipher all the different variables that go into the deals those companies are offering.
Fernelius knew she wanted solar and a battery after living through 10 hot and humid days without grid power in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Throwing out a fridge full of rotting food and trying to sleep through sweltering nights hammered home the value of resilience. But first, she had to sift through a roster of unfamiliar solar financing options and discern a fair price for the system she wanted.
&#;I wish it were more accessible to people so they didn&#;t have to spend as much time [figuring it out],&#; Fernelius said.
If you are thinking about getting solar panels, you are probably in a similar quandary. To help you navigate the process, Canary Media has compiled 10 key questions to ask yourself along the way. Answering them should enable you to strike the deal that works best for your situation.
Start by considering the big picture: Are solar panels on your rooftop really the best way for you to access cleaner energy?
There are many ways to power our lives with clean energy. Some utilities already supply clean electricity to their customers, especially in places with lots of hydropower. For example, if you&#;re in British Columbia, the grid is almost entirely carbon-free already. Start by checking your utility&#;s portfolio to see if building your own mini clean power plant would really provide you with a cleaner supply of electricity.
Alternatively, you might be able to sign up for community solar &#; an especially good option for those who don&#;t own their own home. At its best, community solar gives customers immediate, guaranteed savings with almost no strings attached. You subscribe to energy produced at a local solar project and pay a rate that&#;s lower than what your utility charges. These projects are typically much larger than a rooftop solar installation, so they benefit from their larger scale.
&#;The roof is sort of an arbitrary location,&#; noted Richard Caperton, who runs the policy and regulatory team at Arcadia, which connects customers to community solar subscriptions. &#;&#;A community solar project can be put in a place that&#;s more optimal for the grid.&#;
You might not enjoy the level of savings that a good rooftop solar purchase delivers, but you can typically pay 5 to 20 percent less than the utility rate, depending on where you are, Caperton said. And you won&#;t lock up thousands of dollars investing in your own panels or have to wait years to earn your money back.
&#;Community solar is one of the best options for you as a consumer,&#; said Vikram Aggarwal, founder and CEO of EnergySage, which runs an online community solar comparison platform.
The catch is that states need to have policies in place that encourage community solar &#; and not every state does. EnergySage&#;s marketplace covers around 10 states. Arcadia, which has signed up customers for 500 megawatts&#; worth of community solar, is active in nine states plus Washington, D.C.
Before you commit to solar panels, you&#;ll also need to think through practical considerations, like the state of your roof and how much sun it gets.
If you have a bevy of old-growth trees shading your home in the summer, you may want to check out community solar instead of having to &#;&#;clear-cut your yard to put up a solar system,&#; said Angela Hemmila, owner of local installer Solar Rising, based in southeastern Massachusetts.
Or, if your roof is old, you may need to replace it before installing solar.
Even if your roof is structurally sound, it could be oriented in a way that just doesn&#;t get much sun. Solar companies have tools to model expected production, but you can explore for yourself with Google&#;s Project Sunroof, which builds on Google Earth data to calculate how the light falls on individual houses.
There are two ways to get solar panels: buy them yourself or pay a company to lend you theirs. Each approach has its own challenges and rewards.
To buy a system, you need thousands of dollars of cash on hand or access to financing. If you have those, you keep all the benefits of the solar and its associated tax credits and incentives for yourself.
&#;Right now, there&#;s fierce competition on the financing side, so the cost of capital keeps dropping,&#; said Max Aram, CEO of Solar.com, which generates designs for solar customers and bids them out to installers. &#;&#;It just makes sense for customers to own the system.&#;
&#;We don&#;t offer a lease option at all,&#; said Hemmila, the local installer from Massachusetts. &#;&#;We&#;re always going to say purchase, and if you need financing, get a loan.&#;
When choosing from the growing menu of solar loan options, keep an eye out for &#;&#;dealer fees.&#; Some lenders advertise a low annual interest rate while tacking on fees that raise the upfront price of the installation.
&#;We&#;re not comfortable passing those dealer fees onto the customer,&#; said Hemmila. Instead, she directs customers to talk to local banks for what she calls more &#;&#;straightforward&#; loans, like a home equity line of credit.
Leasing eliminates the need to have a bunch of cash on hand or to navigate loan terms. Instead, you simply pay a monthly rate to your solar provider. This financing option was crucial to the solar industry&#;s growth years ago when the technology was much more expensive.
Simplicity is a big selling point for solar leases, said Nora Hennings, director of business development at Sunrun. Sunrun is the largest rooftop solar installer in the U.S. and does more installations based on leases than sales.
&#;Customers don&#;t have to put anything down upfront,&#; Hennings said of the company&#;s lease offering. &#;&#;We stand behind the systems we install and the fact that they&#;re going to work.&#;
That can be attractive, especially for people with fixed incomes or those who don&#;t want the hassle of filing for tax credits and other incentives. Sunrun takes care of all that.
But leases also come with complex contractual language and initiate a long-term relationship with the company that owns the solar panels on your roof. Sunrun typically sells 25-year leases, meaning that if you sign up now, you&#;re committing to the arrangement through (Hennings pointed out that Sunrun has a whole team dedicated just to helping customers pass along their solar lease to subsequent owners when they sell their house).
If you own your panels, you keep all the benefits of the solar array. If you lease, you hand some of that value over to your solar company for taking care of things for you. When deciding between these two options, compare total lifetime payments versus energy-bill savings between lease and purchase proposals, said EnergySage&#;s Aggarwal. Typically, &#;&#;It&#;s a no-win situation for a lease.&#;
Once you&#;ve decided on financing, you need to figure out how much capacity to install. That depends on how big your roof is, how the sunlight hits it, how much electricity you need, and how much you&#;ll earn for producing extra power.
If you live somewhere with &#;&#;net metering,&#; you&#;ll receive credit at the retail rate for any electricity you don&#;t consume. That could justify a bigger solar installation because the more you produce, the more you cancel out your bill.
Tax credits lower the out-of-pocket cost (here&#;s more on the federal Investment Tax Credit), which sometimes prompts installers to provide quotes for bigger systems. But just because policies and incentives make your investment look smaller doesn&#;t mean you need that bigger solar array. Start with how many panels it would take to offset your electricity consumption, and then your installer can pitch you on the upsell from there. Just make sure they have an argument for why they picked the capacity they did. After all, the more they sell, the more money they make.
That said, it&#;s important to keep in mind that the amount of electricity you need may change over time.
&#;You need to think about what kind of lifestyle you&#;re going to have in the future,&#; Solar.com&#;s Aram said. &#;&#;If you want to buy an electric car, how much would that add to your energy consumption?&#;
The electrification of buildings is a growing sector of the clean energy economy. If you&#;re mulling the switch to an electric induction stove or from gas heating to electric heat pumps, you&#;ll use even more electricity. It&#;s easier to build a bigger solar array upfront than to try to add to it after the fact.
What system size should you expect in absolute terms? For reference, the average quoted system on EnergySage, which lets installers submit proposals to customers, was 10.3 kilowatts in the second half of . Solar.com, which generates proposals and bids them out to installers, had an average system size of slightly more than 8 kilowatts.
Solar professionals often describe a system by how many kilowatts of power it can produce because different solar panels come with different production capacities. For instance, you&#;d need 21 of these 380-watt panels from LG to build an 8-kilowatt system.
You&#;ll also need to decide which company to do business with. Solar installers range in size from Sunrun, by far the biggest in the U.S., to regional installers that have tens of thousands of installations under their belts, to local contractors that work on a smaller scale.
The bigger companies have more infrastructure for technology and customer service. They buy in bulk with sophisticated strategies for leveraging tax credits and tariff-free solar imports. Larger companies like Sunrun strike deals for &#;&#;virtual power plants,&#; where homes get paid for using solar-charged batteries in ways that help the grid, Hennings noted. And, with their ample funding, they may be more resilient companies, which matters when you&#;re hoping to maintain a multidecade relationship with them.
The flip side is that big corporations pay to maintain their robust nationwide infrastructure and spend a lot of money on what&#;s called &#;&#;customer acquisition,&#; which refers to all the door-knocking, glossy pamphlets and online marketing they need to convince people to buy their products.
&#;Big brands are typically more expensive,&#; said Aggarwal, citing data published in Lawrence Berkeley National Lab&#;s Tracking the Sun report. &#;&#;You&#;re paying for their overhead.&#;
Local installers are more likely to win business through referrals from happy customers, a cost-free form of customer acquisition. That means they may be able to give you a cheaper proposal than a larger company can. They won&#;t have the same scale of resources to ensure customer satisfaction, but they may be more motivated to keep you happy than a bigger company with a territory that spreads across vast areas.
&#;In our experience, a lot of the national companies that sweep in through this area tend to chase after high incentives, and when the incentives drop, they leave town,&#; said Hemmila, who&#;s run Solar Rising out of Cape Cod since . &#;&#;Get a national quote, but get a local quote, too.&#;
Rooftop solar gets a lot of attention, but in reality, your ultimate goal is to reduce your electricity needs as much as possible, and then meet that lower need through solar. This is far more cost-effective than investing in a massive solar array and trimming consumption later.
If you are investing in solar panels, you should have an energy audit conducted to see how you can reduce the amount of energy you consume. Insulation, thicker windows, smart thermostats and efficient appliances all help. Some contractors bundle these with solar, which means you can finance them together. Many jurisdictions offer incentives for this type of upgrade. It&#;s well worth exploring if you&#;re committed to making your own clean energy.
Rooftop solar is a big purchase, easily as much as a car. Given the stakes, it&#;s absolutely worth it to shop around.
&#;Get quotes from at least three, if not five, companies,&#; said Aggarwal. &#;&#;Find the right companies [that are] high quality, and talk to people to understand why they&#;re proposing what they&#;re proposing.&#;
Online tools such as EnergySage and Solar.com let you input your details and receive multiple proposals from a pool of companies that have already been vetted. Solar companies Complete Solar and Palmetto run online platforms to connect customers to vetted installers.
If marketplaces like that don&#;t work for you, call up a few different companies, get their proposals, then play them off against one another. This strategy is particularly crucial to remember if a salesperson shows up at your door and pushes you to sign a contract on the spot.
That sales approach rewards the door-knocker for selling systems as quickly and expensively as possible, two factors in which the seller works at cross purposes to the homeowner.
&#;Our sales process is 90 percent education. [&#;] We don&#;t want to have to convince you to do this,&#; said Hemmila, whose company&#;s sales are almost entirely based on referrals. &#;&#;If somebody&#;s knocking on your door, chances are they&#;re going to your neighbor&#;s house and the people down the street. As the customer, you&#;re just a dime a dozen to them.&#;
For an inside look at structural incentives for solar salespeople, this YouTube video spells out how the goal is to put as much space between the actual cost to install the system &#; dubbed a &#;&#;redline&#; in industry-speak &#; and what a homeowner agrees to pay.
&#;In the solar world, a &#;&#;redline&#; is basically the price that the solar company is going to give you to sell their products,&#; James the Solar Expert explains to would-be solar sales pros. &#;&#;It&#;s their bottom line, and anything above and beyond that price is your profit.&#;
Keep in mind that the floor price swells if it has to include upfront dealer fees for a solar loan. Try getting a referral-based offer for a cash deal, and compare that with offers from a door-to-door seller and with financed options.
For reference, the median price quoted on EnergySage in the second half of was $2.68 per watt. There are 1,000 watts in a kilowatt, so if you paid $2.68 per watt for the average-sized 10.3-kilowatt system on that platform, it would clock in at around $27,604. Exact pricing will vary regionally and house by house, but if you see a quote that is radically higher than that ratio, that&#;s a major red flag.
Monopoly utilities don&#;t have to fight for your business. If a solar installer is just trying to beat the utility rate, you could get an overpriced offer that looks like a win-win. To secure a better deal, make solar companies compete for your business.
Even if you space out payments with a lease or loan, you&#;re choosing to devote your money to solar panels, wiring and inverters instead of an S&P 500 index or Bitcoin.
The average rooftop solar payback time for quotes on EnergySage was 8.7 years in the second half of . In other countries, the cost of rooftop solar is markedly lower due to easier permitting, lower component costs and cheaper customer acquisition. In the U.S., it takes more years to pay off the more expensive investment.
If electricity bills aren&#;t a pain point in your life, solar may not offer an enticing enough payback period to convince you to make the leap. But if your utility bill stretches your budget each month, solar could make a big difference. And if cash flow is a holdup, check out companies such as PosiGen that make solar accessible to lower-income households by making sure they save more than they spend on their system right from the start.
Autonomy and resilience are major selling points for rooftop solar. But just like the rest of the grid, solar panels stop working during a blackout. To achieve true self-reliance, you need more equipment.
You can get a diesel generator, but along with that comes reliance on fossil fuels and the need to stock fuel (not always available in an emergency) and maintain the equipment. There&#;s also the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The cleaner alternative: link a battery to your solar panels, creating a package deal known as solar-plus-storage.
In this setup, the house cuts itself off from the grid during an outage (crucial for protecting the utility workers fixing power lines nearby), then runs off the battery, which gets recharged by solar panels. The drawbacks are the cost of battery packs and their limited capacity.
The vision of a solar-battery system running a whole home indefinitely is out of reach for most consumers. An affordable energy storage system will likely force you to hand-pick your most critical appliances to keep online.
A battery for backup is an added cost when going solar: Parts and labor regularly run from $10,000 to $20,000. But there are limited circumstances when it can add to your energy savings. Some utilities levy time-based charges, so consuming electricity during peak demand hours costs more than at other times. In these utilities&#; territories, it could make financial sense to store your solar power to avoid consuming grid power during the expensive time periods.
Some regions have programs that pay to use home batteries at certain times that are helpful to the grid. In Massachusetts, there&#;s ConnectedSolutions. Other places call this a &#;&#;virtual power plant.&#; In Oahu, Hawaii, the utility is paying thousands of dollars to solar customers who add a battery, as the island musters enough clean energy to replace its soon-to-close coal plant.
Every piece of technology wears down over time. Look for a lengthy &#;&#;workmanship&#; warranty, which covers the quality of installation. And try to get solar panels that come with 25-year equipment warranties, which is common for high-quality manufacturers. If a company won&#;t stand behind its products that long, watch out.
Solar panels can last for decades, but if you get a battery, it&#;ll likely have a shorter warranty. Inverters, a crucial piece of auxiliary equipment, may die before solar panels, too. Make sure you know who&#;s on the hook to replace them when that happens.
Then there&#;s stuff you can&#;t plan for. Hemmila&#;s company in Massachusetts gets calls to assess critter damage, such as when squirrels and raccoons get cozy under panels and start chewing wires.
&#;That&#;s considered an act of nature, like if a tree fell on the house,&#; Hemmila said. Her advice: Reach out to your insurance agent and add the solar to your existing homeowners insurance coverage.
But barring events like that, you should be able to forget about the panels on your roof soon after they&#;re installed and start reaping the benefits when a much smaller utility bill comes due.
***
Check out Canary Media&#;s definitions of terms to know if you&#;re considering rooftop solar.