There are several things to consider before you buy a home solar generator. The size of the system you need, the type of generator you need, the cost of the system, and the ongoing costs of maintenance and operation are all important factors to consider. There are many state and federal incentives that can help offset the cost of a solar panel system, and the long-term savings on your electricity costs can be significant.
The size of the system – the number of solar panels and batteries you'll need.
The size of the system you'll need will be determined by the amount of electricity you use and the average number of sun hours in your area. A 1 kilowatt (kW) system requires about 100 square feet of roof space and will generate about 1,500 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity annually.
The type of home solar generator you need – grid-tied, off-grid, or hybrid.
When it comes to solar generators, there are three main types: grid-tied, off-grid, or hybrid. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs. Grid-tied solar generators are connected to the public power grid. This means that they can take advantage of the grid's infrastructure to supplement their own power generation. Grid-tied solar generators are typically less expensive to install and maintain than other types of solar generators, making them a good choice for homes and businesses. However, they are not ideal for use in areas where the power grid is unreliable or unavailable. Off-grid solar generators are not connected to the public power grid. This makes them ideal for use in remote areas or in situations where the power grid is unavailable. Off-grid solar generators are more expensive to install and maintain than grid-tied solar generators, but they provide a reliable source of power. Hybrid solar generators are a type of solar generator that can be used in both grid-tied and off-grid applications. Hybrid solar generators are more expensive to install and maintain than other types of solar generators, but they offer the best of both worlds – the ability to take advantage of the power grid when it's available, and the independence of an off-grid system when it's not.
The cost – the upfront cost of the system, as well as the ongoing costs of maintenance and operation.
Most solar panel systems have an initial cost of $15,000-$20,000. The cost of a photovoltaic (PV) system will depend on the system size, equipment options, permits, and installation labor costs. After the initial investment, there are little to no maintenance costs. The average U.S. residential customer spends about $1,400 per year on electricity, so a typical PV system will save about $100 per month, or $1,200 per year. In some states with high electricity rates, the savings can be much greater. The upfront cost of a solar panel system can seem like a lot, but there are several financing options available to make it more affordable. There are also many state and federal incentives that can help offset the upfront cost. The most important factor to consider when deciding if solar is right for you is the long-term savings. over the life of the system, solar panel systems typically save homeowners thousands of dollars on their electricity costs.