Comments on: How much to install solar panels on a building?

By: Ray Espirit

Ray Espirit — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 19:21:42 +0000

The cost of the PV array notwithstanding, the installation varies with the size of the installation. A medium-sized rooftop installation typically runs around $2k, and it depends on the contractor. Tracking tends to run you a little more.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_panel
http://www.solarpanelnexus.com/

By: New England Breeze Kristen

New England Breeze Kristen — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 19:06:59 +0000

Hello! That is great that you are thinking of installing solar panels. Just to be clear, I believe you are talking about solar panels to produce electricity, aka photovoltaic panels. As mentioned in previous answers, the cost of installation will vary depending upon your location. But a good estimate is $7-$10 per Watt for a grid-tied, battery-less system.

So if you installed 10-200 Watt solar panels, that would be 2000 Watts (2 kW) and cost approximately $14,000-$20,000 before rebates and incentives. Be sure to check for local rebate programs and read about the 30% federal tax credit here:
http://www.dsireusa.org

Good luck!
Kristen
http://newenglandbreeze.com/
References :
Database for State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency: http://www.dsireusa.org

By: roderick_young

roderick_young — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:57:59 +0000

In my area, the installation charge tends to be about $4000, relatively insensitive to the size of the system. Sometimes it’s more, sometimes less, but when cutthroat bidding comes into play, that’s about the price it settles at. That makes sense, because the same number of people have to show up, and hook up the same things. Whether it’s 10 panels or 20 panels, not that much more effort.. There’s more material cost, of course.

I think the labor for a solar water heater is about half that, again, regardless of the size of the heater.

If you live in a area with very cheap labor (near the Mexican border would be an example), the costs would be lower.
References :

By: billrussell42

billrussell42 — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:23:59 +0000

don’t know what the 10 are..

But typical installations, including all parts, runs about $20000 to $50000 for an average sized house.

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References :

By: solo

solo — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:03:59 +0000

You’re looking at $1000 for a generally small install, and it just goes up. You really need to provide more information. I do not think that $.10/watt is accurate for a full functioning PV system install…

I’d think of it hourly, and I’d imagine those guys would ask for $40/hr/person at the least.
References :

By: Back Porch Willy

Back Porch Willy — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:37:59 +0000

Based on estimates I have received, the total cost of solar with tracking is around $0.10 per watt.Cost to install just the panels is only a small part of the installation, you also need: a charge controller, inverter, and batteries. Not quit as simple as just mounting a few panels.

There are a lot of web resources for more information. I would advise you to educate yourself on this prior to spending any money. The cost of comercial soar is still much higher than grid, but there is a lot you can do yourself, including making your own panels, if you are so inclined.

Have fun
Back Porch Willie
References :