Sample solar PV systems
System cost estimates |
What is and is not included |
Variables affecting cost | Financial incentives |
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Sample Residential PV Systems
(System sizes based upon average monthly kilowatt-hour usage and electricity bill as indicated) |
1.7 kW
|
2.5 kW
|
3.3 kW
|
6 kW
|
Offsets 400 kw-hrs/month
or
~ $46/mo electric bill |
Offsets 600 kw-hrs/month
or
~ $77/mo electric bill |
Offsets 850 kw-hrs/month
or
~ $125/mo electric bill |
Offsets 1,500 kw-hrs/month
or
~ $265/mo electric bill |
Sample Small Commercial PV Systems
(System sizes based upon average monthly kilowatt-hour usage and electricity bill as indicated) |
30 kW
|
56 kW
|
Offsets 6,500 kw-hrs/month
or
~ $1,200/mo electric bill |
Offsets 8,300 kw-hrs/month
or
~ $4,000/mo electric bill |
Please read about variables affecting system cost, below.
How much does solar cost?
By far, the most common question asked of CCEnergy is: "How much does a PV system cost?" Installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system still represents a significant up-front investment for most residences and businesses. However, in most cases solar's financial payback makes the initial investment extremely compelling.
So what's the bottom line? How much will a system cost? Pricing a residential solar system is unfortunately not like buying an appliance. It's more along the lines of pricing a home improvement like a new kitchen. Depending on your energy use and method of finance, a residential solar system not only pays for itself in a few years, but also increases the value of your home should you ever sell it (yet does not increase your assessed value for tax purposes).
For businesses, the combined tax and investment benefits, along with the cost savings realized through on-site solar generation, can actually generate positive cash flow.
What follows are several different examples of typical residential and commercial PV systems. Please be sure to read the information that follows about what is and is not included, and the variables that affect a system's final cost.
What's included |
What's not included |
- Equipment - Below list price when purchased through CCEnergy.
- CCEnergy's full array of services:
- Analyzing historical energy use
- Recommending an appropriate solar energy system
- Processing CEC Emerging Renewables rebate paperwork
- Acquiring the necessary building permits
- Processing utility Net Metering paperwork
- Helping the client choose a qualified installer
- Five-year parts and service warranty
- 25-year manufacturer warranty on solar PV panels
- Additional co-op membership benefits
|
- Sales tax
- Permit fees
- Installation costs
- Shipping costs
- Miscellaneous conduit, fasteners, wire
- Sub-panel box and breakers
|
Variables affecting system cost
For both residential and commercial systems:
- Shipping costs for equipment and parts
- Contractor installation costs — typically range from $3,000 to $10,000
- Trees or other shading at installation site
- Site orientation
- Climate and other geographical factors (such as coastal versus inland property)
- Site preparation needs (for example, condition of roof or ground)
- Energy need variations (for example, electrical vs gas water heater, electrical vs gas home heating, air conditioning)
- Vendor equipment pricing variations and changes (contact a field rep for latest pricing)
- Structural engineering, architectural, and other professional services (for commercial systems)
- Optional energy usage, management, and conservation consulting services
Financial incentives
Have questions? Need information about your specific situation?
Contact a CCEnergy field representative in your area »
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