How much do solar panels cost for a 1,500 square foot house?
Generally speaking, the cost of solar panels for a 1,500-square-foot home is around $18,500, with typical costs in the US for 2020 ranging from $9,255 to $24,552. There are many variables that can affect the solar panels cost, such as the type of solar panel installation, how much roof space there is – or lack thereof, shading, quality of solar equipment, and more.
The good news is that the average cost of residential solar has declined greatly.
American roofs are being covered with solar panels at a fast rate. It is therefore not surprising that in the US, a household solar system is being built every 100 seconds as the cost of solar energy continues to decline.
Solar panels for homes continue to lower in price on average. For more than 30 years, residential solar prices have never been lower. Residential solar panels of today are more cost-effective than ever and include technological improvements that enhance electricity generation.
6kW solar panel system for a 1,500-square-foot house costs around $18,500 to build, and solar panel prices per watt may vary from $2.50 to $3.50, according to Modernize. Residential solar panels typically range in size from 3kW to 8kW and may cost between $9,255 and $24,552 to install.
Solar panel pricing is beginning to increase however
As of writing this in 2022, there are several factors that are causing the price of solar panels and related equipment to increase in price.
- Factors such as inflation that is impacting our entire nation’s cost of goods and services
- damaging effects to our supply chain because of COVID-19 shutdowns
- and the 26% federal solar tax credit is being lowered in 2023 and set to be eliminated in 2024
- Electricity rates from utility companies are also increasing, meaning your ability to save with solar has never been better than right now – in 2022.
This leaves many of us wondering, when is the best time to buy solar panels?
Considering that solar panel installation has never been priced lower than before AND prices are beginning to increase, that means NOW, 2022, is literally THE BEST time to invest into solar installation. We are at the bottom of the barrel in terms of pricing, but the above factors show that the cost of solar installation in Phoenix is beginning to rise.
Get in control of rising electricity prices and increasing solar costs by getting started with solar installation for your home or business today! You can’t afford to wait any longer! Contact us for a complimentary solar quote.
Alrighty, now that we’ve addressed that, let’s get on with your original question about the cost of solar for an average home of 1,500 square feet.
Prior to 2022, The Cost of Home Solar Panels in Phoenix Has Decreased
Over the last several years, solar energy has become much more affordable. A typical 6-kilowatt-hour domestic solar system might cost over $50,000 ten years ago. Currently, a typical house installation costs between $16,200 and $21,400 upfront, a 62% yearly reduction. 2
What is the average cost of a solar panel system?
Average 4kW System size = $15,000
Large 8kW System size = $29,000
Note: The figures above are nationwide averages.
For a 1,500-square-foot home, how many solar panels am I going to need?
A 1,500-square-foot house requires roughly 16 solar panels to provide all of its electrical demands.
The average house is about 1,500 square feet, with monthly power bills of around $100 per month, according to Networx. To provide all of the electrical demands of such a home, typically 16 panels are required.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost Per Square Foot?
According to OneSource, the typical price for solar panels is between $4 and $10 per square foot, with a cost per square foot of roughly $7.
According to HomeGuide, solar panels for home usage cost between $4 and $10 per square foot.
What elements impact the cost of solar systems?
Purchasing and installing a single solar panel may cost between $2.67 and $3.43.
The watt-based capacity of the whole system determines how much it costs. Your system size will depend on how much energy you need, how much sunshine reaches your roof, and how efficient the panels work.
As NerdWallet outlines, your ability to save money will depend on several variables, such as:
- Sunlight exposure in the area
- Solar system cost (including battery, where available)
- Electricity cost
- Energy use
- local discounts and rewards
Based on the price of your system, incentives, and energy bill savings, the typical payback time for a home solar system is between six and nine years.
Solar Panel Maintenance
The upkeep of solar panels may vary from simple cleaning to significant repairs. Households often spend $150 for solar panel cleaning. Depending on the system size, residence height, and roof slope, companies typically charge between $3 to $10 per panel. Some businesses charge a set amount to clean a system. Expect to pay roughly $300 a year if you clean your system twice a year as advised.
You could have to pay more if your system is damaged. Your system’s repairs will cost you money for both time and parts. On average, labor costs are $100 per hour. Materials for solar repairs may cost more than $1,000 or as low as $180. Your total, the combined charge might be between $200 and $3,000.
The four most typical ways that a residential solar system is damaged, together with the associated repair expenses, are:
- Broken glass panel: $20 – $350 for parts, plus labor to fix or replace
- Loose connection: $100+
- Replacement inverter: $100 – $2,500+
The cost of repairs is influenced by factors including roof steepness, system type, and system size. And it may be less expensive to replace your panels if they have significant damage.
When you own a system, you are in charge of paying for repairs and upkeep. If a particular system failure is covered by your warranty, get in touch with your solar installer before you start making repairs. Engaging with solar companies for maintenance and repairs, especially if they are under manufacturer warranty or within the warranty of the solar installer you used for the install, may save you thousands of dollars. It’s always a smart move to consult with the solar companies involved in your installation to ensure any issues are addressed efficiently and economically.
Is there a difference between Solar Panel Companies?
The pricing for your solar panels will vary depending on the manufacturer. LG for example is a pioneer in solar panels and technology worldwide. LG provides some of the greatest solar panels on the market right now by striking the ideal mix between quality, efficiency, and cost. SunPower also offers great solar panels.
Higher efficiency panels will often cost more with a certain manufacturer. The good news is that you don’t necessarily need the most efficient panels, particularly if your roof receives a lot of sunlight.
Think about it this way: there is a price and a cost between solar panel manufacturers, and solar panel installation companies. The price and cost are different.
With a lower priced solar panel or less experienced installer designing the system, the cost is that you may generate less power. So although you saved money initially, you actually end up paying much more in the long run as you may not be offsetting all of your electric bill, therefore you pay every month for additional electricity you needed to draw from the grid.
On the other hand, investing just a little bit more into quality solar panels, as well as quality workmanship to properly pair the right equipment with those panels and more efficient solar panel system design, will result in a higher performing solar system that saves you much more in the long run (those savings are usually seen immediately, too in the power generated from day 1, as well as a shorter time to pay off your system!)
Types of Solar Panels
The three most common kinds of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film. Here are the essential features of each:
Solar panel type | Description |
Monocrystalline | The most effective solar panels now available are monocrystalline, thus fewer panels are required to meet your energy demands. Single-crystal silicon is used in monocrystalline solar cells, which gives electrons more flexibility to roam around and generate power. 7 These panels, which are usually black, give your roof a more modern appearance. Additionally, monocrystalline solar panels often have a 20 to 25-year warranty and keep their efficiency for a longer time. 6 |
Polycrystalline | Numerous silicon shards are used in the production of polycrystalline panels.7 They are less effective as a result, but they are also less expensive and produce less trash. 6 The most identifiable characteristic of modern solar panels is perhaps their propensity for having a blue tinge. |
Thin-film | Thin-film panels are not silicon-based as monocrystalline and polycrystalline ones are. Instead, photovoltaic materials are stacked on top of glass or metal. 8 Despite being the least priced choice, a thin film is less effective and most likely won’t be able to meet the energy demands of the typical family without taking up a lot of room. 6 |
The kind of solar panel you choose will affect the system’s cost. The amount of solar energy you’re anticipated to use will determine how large of a system you need, and therefore the cost of solar installation.
Kinds of solar panel mounts
While solar panels are the major element of a solar system, the cost will also depend on how you install the panels. As outlined on HomeAdvisor’s article, there are three kinds of mounts:
Mount type | Cost | Description |
Fix-mount | $10–$15 per mount | Fixed mounts are less effective than other mounts since they are fixed and cannot be moved to gather additional sunlight. They are, however, also the most affordable. Furthermore, this has the least impact in areas like Arizona and California that get regular sunshine. |
Adjustable-mount | $50 per mount | It is possible to tilt adjustable mounts to increase solar energy generation. In addition to laying your panels flat during a storm to prevent wind damage, this mounting style may. Even though they cost more than permanent mounts, adjustable mounts may be the best option for areas with limited space and more cyclical weather. |
Tracking-mount | $500–$3,000 per mount | For optimal energy generation, the tracking mount follows the sun’s arch. Despite being the most costly option, track mounting might increase energy output by 45% and, depending on your location, could be worth considering. Track mounting, however, needs more care and will be more expensive to maintain. |
So, as you may be able to see by now, the cost to install solar panels on an average 1,500 square foot home isn’t as straightforward as one may think. Even the online solar quote calculators are often not accurate. This is why at Watt Masters we start with a phone call to learn more about your home and current and electricity usage. We then evaluate your past electric bills for actual usage numbers. We will also discuss any future electricity demands, such as the purchase of an electric vehicle which will require EV Charger installation in Phoenix). This information should provide us with enough information to give you a rough estimate over the phone. However, an exact price can only be determined by visiting your location to examine sun exposure, nearby trees or other shade obstructions and more. We always give a clear upfront price before any work begins.
Contact us today for your free solar quote – before prices go up any further!
More Topics:
How much do solar panels save? – Phoenix Solar Installers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost for a 1500 square foot house?
On average, the cost for solar panels on a 1500 square foot house is about $27,500 before incentives. After applying a 30% tax credit, this cost can be reduced to approximately $19,250. This roughly translates to $12.80 per square foot of living space after the tax credit
Does the size of my house directly determine the cost of solar panels?
While the size of your house can give a rough estimate, solar panel costs are more accurately determined by your electricity consumption, not the size of your home. Factors such as your energy usage habits and the efficiency of your appliances play a significant role.
Are solar panel costs the same across all states?
No, solar panel costs can vary significantly by state due to factors like local incentives, installation costs, and the amount of sunlight each region receives. For example, the cost in Illinois ranges from $12,078 to $15,162 before incentives, whereas in Wyoming, it ranges from $14,340 to $16,680 before incentives.
What factors should I consider when estimating the cost of solar panels for my home?
When estimating the cost, consider your average daily energy use, the peak sunlight hours in your location, and the type of solar power system you plan on installing (e.g., grid-tied, grid-tied with storage, or completely off-grid). These factors will influence the size and cost of your solar panel system.
Can solar panel installation save me money?
Yes, solar panels can save you money in the long run by reducing or eliminating your electricity bills, especially in states with high electricity rates. Additionally, the cost of solar energy can be further offset by various state and federal incentives.
Contents
- 1 How much do solar panels cost for a 1,500 square foot house?
- 2 This leaves many of us wondering, when is the best time to buy solar panels?
- 3 What is the average cost of a solar panel system?
- 4 What elements impact the cost of solar systems?
- 5 Solar Panel Maintenance
- 6 Is there a difference between Solar Panel Companies?
- 7 Types of Solar Panels
- 8 Kinds of solar panel mounts
- 9 Say goodbye to expensive electric bills with $0 down solar from Watt Masters
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions
- 10.1 How much do solar panels cost for a 1500 square foot house?
- 10.2 Does the size of my house directly determine the cost of solar panels?
- 10.3 Are solar panel costs the same across all states?
- 10.4 What factors should I consider when estimating the cost of solar panels for my home?
- 10.5 Can solar panel installation save me money?