Friday, May 20, 2011

Solar Cost

Early last year a couple made the decision to put solar panels on the roof of their home thanks to a decrease in solar cost. The couple, who has three children, says the move has cut their peak electric bills in the summer from around $400 a month to $210 a month.

As the fallout from nuclear disaster in Japan continues and oil prices remain stuck in the triple digits, the appeal of an energy source that’s reliable, doesn’t leak poison and isn’t whipsawed by day traders becomes more apparent. But with changing financial incentives and a growing number of options, deciding whether or not to “go solar” also involves some serious number crunching.

A few years ago, it was standard to spend $40,000 or more to buy a residential solar system. While buying solar is still expensive, Federal and state tax incentives--along with utility rebates--bring the solar cost down considerably.

Read more about the solar cost of a solar system.