© RomanR/Shutterstock Dollars and solar panelsGetting green, clean, virtually free electricity and even tax breaks for a one-time investment in a solar system sounds good on paper. Over the next 25 years (ie the average lifespan of solar panels), the system will probably pay for itself and generate a small profit. And with prices dropping, getting solar panels for your home has become more affordable than ever (via IERNA).
And since solar energy is renewable, installing a solar power system should reduce your carbon footprint compared to coal and other fossil fuel sources that power the grid. These non-renewable sources are also subject to unpredictable increases in the prices of the fuels and electricity they produce. Solar insulates you against market volatility.
With all of this in mind, investing in a solar power system seems like a no-brainer if you can afford it. But actually, installing and maintaining a system is more delicate and complex than you might think. Like the costs incurred and the payback for the solar investment.
Some costs may not be realized immediately. But in the future these are expenses you will incur. Here's a rundown of the hidden costs you should consider before investing in solar power.
Buy and install solar panels for your home
© Diana Dimitrova/Shutterstock Solar panels on the roofFirst, deciding how many solar panels you need seems like simple math: find your home's total electricity consumption and divide it by the total output per panel. But the potential output power of the solar panel is not standard. Estimating the power of solar panels is only one part of the puzzle; You also need to factor maximum sun duration into the equation.
Multiply the maximum hours of sunshine per day for your area and multiply by the rating to get the possible kilowatt hours generated (from the sun) per day. Of course, peak times vary greatly from state to state, with some areas having as many as six peak times while others have only three.
Such a solar panel that can generate 2.7 kilowatt hours in Arizona will only generate 1.5 kilowatt hours in New Jersey (according to Solar Reviews). To compensate for fewer peak hours of sunlight, you'll need to buy more panels.
Additionally, there is the cost of installing the panels, which also varies between residences and contractors. However, US residents are eligible for federal investment tax credits for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems (through the Department of Energy).
A warmer climate, the pitch and direction of the roof, the landscaping around the panels (if installed on the ground) and nearby shade trees (if installed on the roof) also affect the overall output and thus the time, total cost of solar energy. energy. system (via Architectural Review).
Maintenance of solar panels at home
© TS2017/Shutterstock Solar panels with soil and leavesOn average, a solar power system can cost you over $25,000. The cost of replacing solar panels is also staggering. So this is the investment you want to secure (through Clearway). Your home insurance may offer default coverage. But installation can raise your home insurance premiums because you risk damage from the elements and weather.
Roof-mounted and ground-mounted systems are covered by different policies, so hidden insurance costs vary by company (via National Insurance).
Maintenance of solar panels also requires attention. Solar panels are made up of many silicon-based wafers (cells) that generate electricity, but they don't move, so the panels can last 25-30 years without extensive, regular maintenance. However, they need some maintenance for the cells to work efficiently (via LASolarGroup).
Panels collect dust and debris over time, reducing their performance. The rain will wash away most of the dirt and restore the solar panel to its original efficiency. But a faulty inverter or panel is to blame if your system is constantly going down. Fortunately, most manufacturers offer at least a 10-year warranty, so you can replace a defective panel. However, you will often have to pay for shipping and installation (via SolarInsure).
Solar companies recommend a thorough cleaning and inspection once a year. Do-it-yourself cleaning can void your warranty, and professional services cost hundreds of dollars. Solar panel cleaning robots do this for free, but are not (yet) commercial.
Environmental costs of solar energy
© PastryShop/Shutterstock Solar panels in progressAnother hidden cost of solar panels is not monetary; it is eco-friendly. Despite producing electricity from renewable sources, solar panels have an impact on the environment. Advances in industry led to the creation of solar cells from carbon. But most of the time they are still made of silicon and other rare elements. And it takes a lot of energy and toxic waste to extract and clean these elements, adding to the cost of emissions (via 8 BillionTrees).
During life, the elements inside the solar panel break down, and at the end of the work, their power decreases by 30%. They are not very effective at first. In 25 to 30 years, your solar panels will likely end up in a landfill, along with the toxic elements and expensive metals used to make them (via Architectural Review).
Old panels are usually not reused because it is cheaper to buy new ones. And some parts aren't resold because the cost of shipping and breaking the panels outweighs the profit (via The Verge).
In theory and in practice, solar panels can be recycled because the material can be used to make new panels. But recycling standards are only the norm in Europe. And according to forecasts, the cost of treatment in the next 25 years could be too high for the possible extraction of valuable materials (via Insead).
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